Who it is for
Creators, studios, software houses and companies that produce content or code with several authors or contractors.
Practice
Copyright
Works, software and content: ownership from creation, DNDA registration and rules with whoever produces.
In Colombia
Law 23 of 1982, Andean Decision 351 and, for software, Decree 1360 of 1989: computer programs are treated as literary creations. The DNDA keeps the National Register. Code is protected by copyright; know-how, often, by trade secret.
How we help
Software, courses, photographs, music, audiovisual works and websites fall under this regime if there is originality. Without an assignment, the developer or photographer may keep rights the company believes it owns.
Licensing is not the same as assigning. A use license for a client does not transfer the code or updates. We document the perimeter: what is delivered, what stays in-house and what collaborators may do.
When it makes sense
- There are several authors, a studio or a content factory
- The product is software, an app or a platform with third-party code
- You will publish, license or sell a catalogue of works
- A former collaborator claims authorship or reuses the material
How we work it
- 01Map of works, software and auxiliary material, and of who created them
- 02Assignments, works made for hire and licenses aligned with the business
- 03DNDA registration when it adds proof or later filings
- 04Defense against unauthorized use and review of platforms or repositories
What usually arrives
- The repository is in the freelancer’s name
- The agency delivered art without an assignment of economic rights
- Music or stock is used without a license sufficient for paid ads
- Doubt between registering software with the DNDA or seeking a patent
This text describes the general framework in Colombia. It is not legal advice and does not replace an engagement on specific facts.
What it covers
- Ownership of software, content and works
- DNDA registration when it is useful
- Assignments, commissioned works and licenses
- Rules among authors, the company and collaborators
Other areas
Trademark registration
An enforceable identity before the SIC: classes, prior marks and defense of the sign in Colombia and, if needed, abroad.
Invention patents
Novelty, inventive step and industrial application: from the idea to a title before the SIC — or to the decision not to patent.
Industrial designs
The appearance of the product as an asset: novelty, registration before the SIC and defense against catalogue copies.
Contracts and deals
Drafting, review and negotiation of commercial and civil contracts: services, distribution, sale, collaboration, alliances and other business relationships.
Companies and corporate governance
Company formation, bylaw amendments, shareholders’ agreements, minutes, boards, meetings, regulations and support in corporate conflicts.
Competition, consumer and advertising
Preventive advice and defense on unfair competition, advertising, promotions, terms and conditions, complaints and sanctioning proceedings.
Litigation and dispute resolution
Representation in civil, commercial, corporate, administrative and IP proceedings, with a focus on risk and business strategy.
Compliance and risk management
Design of policies, matrices, protocols and compliance programs in contracting, corporate governance, consumer, competition, privacy and risk prevention.
Foreign investment and doing business in Colombia
Support for foreign companies on forming companies, branches, subsidiaries, local contracts, trademark protection and operating in Colombia.