Software Registration: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to protect your computer code through official registration and understand what the process actually covers.
Software Registration is a formal way for creators to officially record their computer programs to protect their digital work.
Who it's for
This scheme is open to any software developer or any company looking to establish legal ownership of their digital creations. Whether you are an individual freelance developer working on independent projects or a larger company managing various digital assets, you qualify to use this system to secure your intellectual property.
What you get
When you complete this process, you receive an official record of your software. This registration is designed to provide formal proof of your work, which can be vital for your business or professional standing. Once you have submitted everything, the process is relatively quick, typically taking between 7 and 15 days to be processed.
What it costs you
To complete the registration, there is a fee involved. You should expect to pay an amount around R$ 185 to have your software officially recorded.
The catch to know
There is a specific limit to what this registration provides that most people miss. While the registration protects the "Registro de código" (the specific way your code is written and expressed), it does not protect the underlying ideas, concepts, or game mechanics. This means that while someone cannot legally copy your exact lines of code, they might still be able to replicate the logic or the way a game plays.
How to apply
- Access the official portal provided by the government body.
- Prepare your software files for the registration process.
- Follow the digital steps to submit your code for review.
- Pay the required fee of approximately R$ 185.
- Wait for the processing period, which usually takes 7 to 15 days, for your registration to be finalized.
https://www.gov.br/inpi/pt-br/servicos/programas-de-computador