Kaneda Copyright Agency {top}

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Copyright FAQ {top}

{FAQ} Do I have to register my work to get protection in Japan?

No.
In the majority of countries, copyright protection is obtained automatically without any formalities such as registration. Also in Japan, copyright protection comes into existence automatically from the moment of the creation of a work (See Art.17(2)). So, in order to get protection in Japan, you don’t have to register your work with authorities concerned.

[Note] Nevertheless, most countries have their own systems which allow for voluntary registration of a work. Japan also has such a registration system, in which you can expect some advantages; registering your work with the Agency for Cultural Affairs can help avert legal disputes over who is the authentic author or the authentic copyright owner, or facilitate copyright transactions in the course of your business.

(ref.) Art. 17(2) of Copyright Act
Enjoyment of the moral rights of an author and of copyrights requires no formalities.