Copyright Registration & Advisory in Bhutan

Copyright protection in Bhutan arises automatically upon creation of an original work. However, the Voluntary Deposit and Registration System (VDRS) administered by the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property (DOMCIIP) provides critical prima facie evidence of authorship and ownership, which is essential for enforcement and litigation.

IP Bhutan assists authors, creators, and rights holders with voluntary copyright registration in Bhutan.
IP Protection Info
Copyright Registration Process in Bhutan (VDRS – Official Procedure)
Copyright registration begins with the submission of Form CR-1, along with two copies of the work. The Department conducts a formality check to verify copyrightable subject matter, completeness of the application, and deposit of the work.


Upon approval, the applicant is issued an authorization letter for fee payment. After submission of the payment receipt, the Department issues an acknowledgment and publishes a public notification for opposition on official government websites for 15 working days.


If no opposition is filed, the work is entered into the Copyright Register, the deposited copy is sealed and stored, and a Certificate of Registration is issued. In case of opposition, parties are notified and given the opportunity to resolve the dispute before the Department issues a decision.
REGISTRATION TYPE
Voluntary copyright registration
AGENCY INVOLVED
Department of Media Creative Industry & Intellectual Property (DOMCIIP)
Time Taken
Approximately 1 to 3 months, subject to opposition
FEES
Contact for Fees
IP Support

How Can IP BHUTAN AT Basnet Attorneys and Law Help?

Protecting intellectual property in Bhutan requires careful legal guidance to navigate statutory requirements, administrative procedures, and enforcement mechanisms. IP Bhutan, operated by Basnet Attorneys & Law, provides structured legal support to assist clients in securing, managing, and enforcing intellectual property rights in accordance with Bhutanese law.

 

Our intellectual property practice is designed to support businesses, creators, and rights holders through every stage of IP protection, ensuring clarity, compliance, and legal certainty.

 

Our Services Include:

Trademark Registration & Protection

Legal assistance with trademark searches, filing, prosecution, renewal, opposition, and enforcement to protect brand identity under Bhutanese law.

 

Patent Advisory & Filing

Guidance on patent-related matters, including legal assessment, filing procedures, and protection strategies for inventions and innovations.

 

Copyright Advisory & Protection

Legal support for the protection of literary, artistic, digital, and creative works, including advisory on ownership, licensing, and enforcement.

 

Industrial Design Registration

Assistance with securing legal protection for industrial and product designs, safeguarding visual and commercial value.

 

IP Advisory & Portfolio Management

Strategic legal advice on IP ownership, structuring, commercialization, risk management, and long-term portfolio planning.

 

IP Enforcement & Dispute Resolution

Representation in opposition proceedings, infringement matters, and IP-related disputes, with a focus on lawful enforcement and procedural accuracy.

 


A Law-Led Intellectual Property Practice

With focused experience in intellectual property law, IP Bhutan offers precise legal solutions tailored to the needs of local and international clients. Our practice emphasizes legal analysis, regulatory compliance, and enforceability, ensuring that intellectual property rights are protected within a sound legal framework.

 

Initiate a confidential consultation with Basnet Attorneys & Law to discuss intellectual property protection and enforcement in Bhutan.