Mobile App Copyright Registration Made Easy in Indonesia

October 10, 2025
9:42 am

You’ve spent months developing an amazing mobile app — from its core code to the seamless user interface. But without proper mobile app copyright registration, your creative work could be at risk of being copied or misused. In Indonesia, protecting your app under copyright law isn’t just a legal formality — it’s an essential safeguard for your intellectual property. With the right guidance from experts at AMR.CO.ID, the process becomes easier, faster, and legally secure.

Why Copyright Matters for Your App

In today’s digital world, apps are more than just products — they’re intellectual assets. Every line of code, visual design, and interactive feature reflects your creativity and investment. Yet, without mobile app copyright registration, others can easily imitate your work or even claim ownership.

Copyright provides legal protection for your creative expression. It ensures that your app’s source code, user interface, design elements, icons, and sounds legally belong to you. In Indonesia, mobile apps are officially recognized as “Program Komputer” under national copyright law.

Without registration, enforcing your rights becomes complicated. However, Indonesia now has a streamlined online system for this — and that’s where legal professionals can make the process hassle-free.

What Copyright Actually Covers in a Mobile App

It’s important to understand what parts of your app are protected under copyright law. In Indonesia, registration safeguards:

Source code (usually excerpts, not the full code)
Graphical user interface (UI) and design
Visual assets such as icons and layout
Textual content and written descriptions
Audio elements like sound effects or background music

However, copyright doesn’t protect ideas, functions, or general app concepts — those fall under patent protection. For example, you can’t copyright the idea of a ride-hailing app, but you can protect the unique design, code, and branding that make your app distinctive.

By registering your app’s copyright, you create a legal record that establishes ownership — a critical asset for developers and startups aiming to protect their innovation in Indonesia’s fast-growing digital market.

The Legal Foundation in Indonesia

Copyright protection for mobile apps in Indonesia is based on Law No. 28 of 2014 on Copyright. Under this law, mobile applications are categorized as “Program Komputer”, which are protected just like literary works.

The official registration authority is DJKI (Direktorat Jenderal Kekayaan Intelektual) under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. Once registered, your app receives a certificate of ownership, which serves as legal proof of authorship. This certificate is crucial when you need to:

Enforce your rights in case of copyright infringement
File take-down requests for copied apps
License your software commercially
Increase your app’s market credibility

In short, having an official certificate gives you more than protection — it provides tangible legal and commercial value.

Step-by-Step How to Register Your App Copyright

Registering your app in Indonesia is a straightforward process through the official DJKI online platform. Here’s how it works:

Visit the website e-hakcipta.dgip.go.id
Create an account and log in
Select the category “Program Komputer”
Prepare the required documents:
- App name, version, and author details
- 50 pages of source code (first & last sections)
- Screenshots showing main UI features
- Short app description (in Indonesian)
Pay the registration fee (usually under IDR 200,000)
Wait for DJKI’s review (typically 1–2 months)
Download your official e-certificate once approved

Pro tip: Never upload your complete source code — excerpts from the beginning and end are enough for identification purposes.

Why Work with a Legal Expert Like AMR Partnership

While the process looks simple on paper, many developers encounter technical issues — incomplete documents, translation mistakes, or classification errors that delay approval. Working with a professional IP law firm ensures the process runs smoothly.

AMR Partnership assists clients through every step of mobile app copyright registration, from preparing documents to communicating with DJKI. With decades of experience, the firm ensures your registration is accurate, compliant, and legally strong.

AMR Partnership’s key advantages:

Established since 1986, with a proven track record in IP law
Trusted by local and international clients
Member of global IP organizations
Expertise spanning copyright, trademark, and patent law

By partnering with a legal expert, you’re not just submitting an online form — you’re securing your intellectual property with professional support. For pricing details, consultation starts from an affordable range. Contact AMR.CO.ID via WhatsApp to discuss your app’s registration today.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many developers underestimate the importance of proper documentation. Here are common mistakes that can cause registration rejection or delay:

Uploading full source code instead of excerpts
Forgetting to include co-creators’ information
Submitting unclear or low-quality screenshots
Choosing the wrong registration category

These simple errors can be avoided with proper legal assistance. Having an IP consultant ensures all documentation is complete and correctly formatted from the start, saving you time and preventing unnecessary rejections.

Turning Copyright Into a Business Asset

Copyright isn’t just protection — it’s an investment. Once your app is registered, it becomes a valuable intellectual property (IP) asset that can enhance your business credibility.

Here’s how you can leverage your copyright certificate:

Attract investors by proving ownership of proprietary technology
License your software legally to partners or clients
Increase your company valuation for mergers or acquisitions
Take down counterfeit apps confidently from online platforms

In essence, copyright acts as both a legal safeguard and a business tool, strengthening your position in Indonesia’s competitive digital landscape.

Make Your App Legally Yours

Mobile app copyright registration in Indonesia is simpler than ever with the country’s digital IP system. But for developers and businesses that value accuracy, confidentiality, and time efficiency, professional assistance makes all the difference.

By working with AMR Partnership, you ensure that your registration is done correctly and strategically — protecting your creative assets while unlocking their commercial potential.

Ready to protect your mobile app? Visit AMR.CO.ID and contact our team via WhatsApp or Instagram for a private consultation. Registration services start from an affordable rate, and every consultation is handled by experienced IP professionals who understand Indonesia’s legal landscape.

Safeguard your innovation today — because your app deserves more than just recognition; it deserves full legal protection.

For more information about AMR Partnership, feel free to contact us: