---
title: "Software Copyright"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/intellectual-property-law-en/software-copyright-en"
field: "Intellectual Property Law"
description: "Protect your software code and IP in Georgia. Find expert lawyers for copyright registration and licensing on Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-07-09"
updated: "2026-10-23"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Software Copyright

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/intellectual-property-law-en/software-copyright-en

Software Copyright is one of the fastest-growing and most critical areas of intellectual property law in modern Georgia. With the rapid development of the IT sector, an increasing number of Georgian developers, startups, and international tech companies are creating unique software, applications, and computer code within the country. Protecting these intangible assets is vital for business sustainability and competitiveness. Software copyright protection involves the legal recognition of a computer program as a literary work, safeguarding it against unauthorized copying, distribution, or modification. In Georgia, software code is automatically protected from the moment of its creation; however, formal registration (deposition) and proper rights management play a decisive role during litigation and investment attraction processes. This service is designed for individual programmers, software development houses, and IT companies seeking legal immunity for their intellectual labor.

## What Does Software Copyright Service Cover?

Legal protection of software is a complex process that goes beyond simple code registration. Qualified lawyers on Legal.ge can assist with the following aspects:

-   **Source Code and Object Code Protection:** Protecting the core text and machine language of the program from unauthorized reproduction.
-   **Copyright Deposition at Sakpatenti:** Official registration of the work (program) at the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia, which creates a presumption of authorship in disputes.
-   **Drafting Licensing Agreements (EULA, SaaS):** Creating a legal framework for user relationships, defining terms of use, restrictions, and liabilities.
-   **Rights Transfer Agreements (Assignment):** Ensuring proper allocation of rights between developers and clients, or employers and employees (determining who owns the code).
-   **Open Source Audit:** Checking the compatibility of open-source licenses (GPL, MIT, etc.) used within the software with proprietary rights.
-   **IP Infringement Prevention and Litigation:** Fighting against illegal distribution (piracy) of software online and claiming damages.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/intellectual-property-law-en/software-copyright-en

### How do I copyright my software in Georgia?

While protection is automatic upon creation, you can voluntarily deposit the source code with Sakpatenti (National IP Center). This provides an official certificate of authorship, useful for litigation and valuation.

### Does copyright protect the GUI of my app?

Copyright protects the underlying code and specific artistic elements of the interface. However, the general "look and feel" or functionality might be better protected under design rights or unfair competition laws.

### I hired a freelancer. Do I own the code?

Not automatically. Unlike employees, freelancers retain copyright unless there is a written agreement explicitly assigning the property rights to you. Without this, you may only have a license to use it.

### Can I use Open Source code in my proprietary software?

Yes, but you must comply with the Open Source license terms (e.g., MIT, GPL). Some licenses are "viral" and may force you to open-source your own code, so a legal audit is essential.