Registering copyright for musical works

According to Article 6 of Decree 17/2023/ND-CP, a musical work is a work expressed in the form of musical notes in a musical score or other musical symbols, regardless of whether it is performed or not. Accordingly, a musician's musical work is protected by copyright under intellectual property law and meets the criteria of a work expressed in the form of musical notes in a musical score or other musical symbols or is shaped on an audio or video recording with or without lyrics.

1. The role of music in life

1.1. Entertainment, human formation and development

• Nowadays, music is one of the optimal and indispensable sources of entertainment for humans. In particular, music can also have a great impact on the process of human development.
• Therefore, the advice is given: Pregnant women should let their babies listen to music while in the womb to help them form and develop better thinking.

1.2. Educate people for comprehensive development

Music has the effect of reflecting intelligence, thoughts, as well as having a strong and profound impact on human emotions.

• It stirs the emotions that settle in the soul.
• Give wings to your imagination.
• Help people to be aware, love life and love life more.
• Bring people feelings of aesthetics and sophistication.

1.3. Bringing happiness to everyone

Without music, the world would be very dull. Music is extremely important to human happiness. It helps to dispel suffering, bring joy, youthfulness, and vitality. Enjoying favorite songs helps people relax and have many interesting experiences and love life more.

1.4. Enhance memory, learning and working efficiency

Science has proven that choosing the right music such as instrumental piano music, classical music, Baroque music... helps people concentrate, increases memory, even increases IQ... Accordingly, we can concentrate and remember better in studying and working.

2. Procedures for copyright registration for musical works

2.1. Step 1: Prepare copyright registration documents

• Copyright registration form.
• Two copies of copyrighted work.
• Power of attorney, if the applicant is an authorized person;
• Written consent of co-authors, if the work has co-authors;
• Written consent of co-owners, if the copyright is jointly owned.
• Notarized identity card of the author and owner of the work;
• Notarized copy of the company's Business Registration Certificate (if the owner is a company).

2.2. Step 2: Submit application for copyright registration

Submit copyright registration applications at the following addresses:

• Copyright Office: No. 33, Lane 294/2 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Hanoi City.
• Representative office in Ho Chi Minh City: No. 170 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Representative office in Da Nang City: No. 58 Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.

Submit in person or by post to the above addresses.

2.3. Step 3: The Copyright Office reviews and issues the Copyright Certificate.

• Within 15 working days from the date of receipt of valid documents, the Copyright Office is responsible for issuing a Certificate of Copyright Registration.
• In case of refusal, the Copyright Office must notify the applicant in writing.