Copyright Registration

Any author or owner of copyright or owner of related rights may apply, with application form (CR-1) if he or she wishes to register literary or artistic work and with application form (CR-2) if he or she wishes to register related rights.

The foreign works can be registered in Myanmar if the work is first published in other country and also published in Myanmar within thirty days from the first publication.

Appointment of representative (CR-10) form must be executed and it needs to be notarized by the Notary Public.

Procedures

E-filing applications are to be filed via the stipulated account of authorized Representative into IP Department’s E-filing system.

Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) in Myanmar

Under the Copyright Law 2019 and the Regulations on the Establishment of CMOs (Notification no.58/2024 dated August 6, 2024), Myanmar has introduced a formal system for Collective Management Organizations. These organizations play a vital role in the copyright ecosystem by acting as intermediaries between rights holders and those who wish to use their works.

What is a CMO?

A CMO is a non-profit organization established by authors, performers, and other copyright owners to manage their rights collectively. Instead of each creator negotiating individual licenses, the CMO handles the licensing, royalty collection, and distribution on their behalf.

Key Information for Rights Holders & Users

• Registration Authority: The Intellectual Property Agency began officially accepting applications for the establishment of CMOs on July 16, 2025.
• Sector-Specific Organizations: To ensure quality and focus, the regulations allow for up to two CMOs to be registered within a specific work sector (e.g., music, literature, film, or artistic works).
• Validity: Once registered, a CMO is granted a five year term to manage rights, which is renewable for subsequent terms.
• Mandatory Standards: CMOs in Myanmar must operate under the principles of transparency, equality, and fairness, with annual audits and reports submitted to the IP Agency to ensure accountability.