More and more businesses are choosing to hire freelancers to design their logos due to flexibility, creativity, and cost efficiency. However, few pay attention to the intellectual property rights of the logo – who actually owns it? And does the business need to register copyright?

The answer is yes – and not only should you do it, but you should do it as early as possible to avoid future legal risks and disputes.

Who owns the logo designed by a freelancer?

Many mistakenly believe that paying for a design means they automatically own full rights to the logo. However, under Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Law, the author of a work—in this case, the freelancer—is the original copyright holder, unless a written agreement states otherwise.

The law clearly stipulates: if a business does not sign a legitimate copyright assignment agreement, the logo—even if paid for—remains the property of the designer. This means the freelancer retains the right to use, modify, or even transfer the logo to a third party without specific legal constraints.

Should businesses register logo copyright?

Yes, and the sooner, the better. Copyright registration not only affirms ownership but also acts as a legal shield for the business:

Establish legal ownership
The certificate of copyright registration serves as critical legal evidence of ownership. In the event of a dispute, it is your first line of defense.

Prevent unauthorized copying or use
Once registered, the business has the right to request removal or take action against unauthorized use. If damages occur, the owner can sue for compensation.

Enhance brand value
A logo is core to brand identity. When legally protected, it becomes an intangible asset that can be commercialized through licensing, franchising, or investment valuation.

How to transfer ownership from freelancer to business

To ensure the logo becomes the legal asset of the business, several legal steps must be taken:

Sign a clear agreement from the start
When hiring a freelancer, sign a service contract with clear terms about transferring copyright after final payment. The agreement should state: “The freelancer agrees to assign all proprietary rights to the business.”

Prepare a separate copyright assignment document
Even with a service contract, a separate assignment document is still needed. This should include both parties’ signatures, a description of transferred rights, scope, duration, territory, and value (which may be recorded as 0 if included in the design fee).

Keep original and source files
Keep all source files (vector, AI, PSD), emails, and invoices to prove ownership and usage rights when needed.

Copyright registration procedure at the Copyright Office of Vietnam

Once the transfer is complete, the business can register the logo copyright by:

Preparing documents: application form, business license, assignment agreement, printed logo, and CD with source file.
Submitting directly or by post to the Copyright Office.
Awaiting results within 15–30 working days.

While registration isn’t mandatory by law, it’s a vital step to reinforce ownership and prevent disputes.

Common mistakes businesses make when hiring logo design

Many businesses have faced issues due to underestimating copyright. Typical mistakes include:

Not signing a contract or using vague agreements without copyright transfer terms.
Keeping only the logo file without proof of payment or communication.
Modifying or commercializing the logo without written consent from the designer.
Registering copyright without full ownership, leading to rejection or counterclaims.

DEDICA Law Firm – Comprehensive IP protection for businesses

At DEDICA, we support clients not only with copyright registration but also from contract drafting with freelancers to dispute resolution. Our experienced IP lawyers understand both legal frameworks and creative realities to help safeguard your brand and intellectual property effectively.

Unsure how to protect your business logo?

Let DEDICA guide you from legal advice and contract drafting to copyright registration – ensuring your logo is not only visually appealing but also legally secure.

Contact DEDICA Law Firm for expert legal consultation today
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