13
August
2024
How to Register Software in Colombia?
In Colombia, software (computer programs or applications) is registered through the National Copyright Directorate.
Copyright can be defined as a set of rules that pertain to literary and artistic activities. That is, the rights granted to creators for their literary, artistic, and scientific works.
Copyright essentially includes literary works, plays, computer programs (software), databases, films, musical works, works of art, and architectural works, among other creations of the intellect.
In Colombia, copyright is primarily regulated by Decision 351 of the Andean Community and Law 23 of 1982 (as amended by Law 1915 of 2018).
The purpose of software registration is to grant legal certainty to its owner regarding their copyright.
Requirements for Registering Software in Colombia:
The requirements for registering software in Colombia are as follows:
- Complete the "Software or Logical Support Registration Application" form from the National Copyright Directorate.
- Power of attorney.
- Name and version of the software.
- Full name of the software author (individuals).
- Author’s ID.
- Author’s nationality.
- A copy of the software to be registered, which includes: the computer program (on magnetic media), a description of the program, and auxiliary material (if applicable).
- Year of software creation.
- Holder of the software’s economic rights.
- Producer (if different from the holder of the economic rights).
Processing Time for Software Registration in Colombia:
The processing time for software registration in Colombia is approximately 30 business days.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the right over the registered software lasts for the lifetime of its author and for 80 years after his death.
Our firm has expert attorneys who will provide personalized attention and advise you regarding your software registration procedures in Colombia.