How to Transfer or License Copyright in Nepal – A Complete Guide

If you are an artist, writer, software developer, or business owner in Nepal, copyright is a valuable asset. Whether you’re selling your content, licensing your software, or transferring rights to a company, it’s important to understand how copyright transfer or licensing works in Nepal.

In this guide, Company Sewa explains the legal process, documents required, and key differences between transfer and license of copyright.

What is Copyright?

Copyright is the legal right of an original creator to control how their work is used. It applies to:

• Books, articles, and written content
• Music, movies, and videos
• Software and applications
• Photographs and artwork
• Website content and blogs

In Nepal, copyright is protected under the Copyright Act, 2059 (2002).

What is the Difference Between Copyright Transfer and License?

Feature	Copyright Transfer	Copyright License
Ownership	Full ownership is transferred	Ownership remains with the creator
Rights	The transferee can use, sell, or modify the work	Licensee can only use the work as agreed
Duration	Usually permanent	Can be limited by time or scope
Example	Selling your book’s rights to a publisher	Allowing someone to use your music in a video

How to Transfer Copyright in Nepal

To legally transfer copyright in Nepal, you must follow a formal process:

Step 1: Prepare a Copyright Transfer Agreement

Include:

• Full details of the parties involved
• Details of the work (e.g., book title, software name)
• Date of transfer
• Transfer fee or payment (if any)
• Signatures of both parties

📄 Note: The agreement should be in writing for legal validity.

Step 2: Notarize the Agreement

• Get the transfer agreement notarized by a licensed notary public in Nepal.

Step 3: Register the Transfer with the Copyright Office

Though not mandatory, registering the copyright transfer with the Nepal Copyright Registrar’s Office provides legal proof.

You’ll need:

• Application form
• Notarized transfer agreement
• Citizenship copies of parties
• Work samples (e.g., manuscript, music file)

How to License Copyright in Nepal

Licensing means giving someone permission to use your copyrighted work, without giving up ownership.

Step 1: Draft a Copyright License Agreement

It should clearly mention:

• Scope of license (how the work can be used)
• Duration of the license
• Payment or royalties (if any)
• Territory (e.g., only in Nepal or worldwide)
• Whether the license is exclusive or non-exclusive

Step 2: Notarize the Agreement

Like transfer agreements, it’s best to notarize the license document.

Step 3: Register the License with the Copyright Office

This can protect your rights in case of disputes.

Documents Required

For both transfer and licensing:

• Citizenship copies of both parties
• Notarized agreement
• Description or sample of the copyrighted work
• Passport-size photographs
• PAN/VAT registration (for commercial transactions)

Where to Register Copyright in Nepal?

You can submit applications at the:

Copyright Registrar’s Office
Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation,
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal

Telephone :, 977-1-4539305, 4539309, 4525497
Website: nepalcopyright.gov.np
Email : [email protected]

Further Reading: Learn More About Copyright Law

1. The Copyright Act, 2059 (2002) – Nepal
2. How to Register a Copyright in Nepal
3. How to Modify or Update an Existing Copyright Registration in Nepal
4. How to File a Copyright Complaint or Dispute in Nepal
5. How to Transfer or License Copyright in Nepal
6. International Copyright Protection for Nepali Creators