Property and inheritance · For citizens
Someone copied your work? Copyright starts with you.
In short
The author is the first owner (Copyright Ordinance 1962, s.13), except for paid photos, portraits and films made at a client's request, and work made for an employer, unless agreed otherwise. Knowing infringement can mean up to 3 years, a fine up to Rs.100,000, or both (s.66).
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 12 October 2026 · 11 slides · 2 min read
Myth or fact?
What creators often think.
- Myth: Only big companies own copyright.
- Fact: The author of a work is the first owner of its copyright (Copyright Ordinance 1962, s.13), subject to a few exceptions.
The rule in the law.
Sections 10 and 13.
“copyright shall subsist throughout Pakistan in the following classes of works …: (a) original, literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works; (b) cinematographic works; and (c) records. … the author of a work shall be the first owner of the copyright therein”
Copyright Ordinance, 1962 · Sections 10(1) and 13, Works in which copyright subsists · First owners
Quick quiz. A paid shoot.
Guess first, then swipe for the answer.
- A. You, the photographer
- B. The client who paid
- C. Nobody
Answer: B. Read s.13.
The exceptions matter.
- s.13(b)A photo, painting, portrait or film made for payment at someone's instance: that person owns it, unless agreed otherwise.
- s.13(c)Made in the course of employment: the employer owns it, unless agreed otherwise.
- Fix itWrite ownership into the contract before you start.
Myth or fact?
The idea problem.
- Myth: They copied my idea for a show, so it is infringement.
- Fact: Copyright protects the work, not a bare idea. A claim that Coke Studio Season 6 copied a music-show concept failed at the interim stage (2014 CLD 1696, Sindh High Court).
What you can claim.
Section 60(1).
- InjunctionStop the copying.
- DamagesMoney for the loss.
- AccountsThe profits made from your work.
- Innocent copierReasonably believed no copyright existed: only an injunction and profits.
A crime too.
Section 66.
“Any person who knowingly infringes or abets the infringement of (a) the copyright in a work … shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees, or with both.”
Copyright Ordinance, 1962 · Section 66, Offences of infringement
Protect your work.
Three habits that help.
- Your name on itA name on published copies is presumed to be the author or publisher, unless proved otherwise (s.60(2)).
- Keep your filesDrafts and originals show what you made and when.
- How longA published literary, musical or artistic work (not a photo): the author's life plus 50 years (s.18).
Work copied?
Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.
- A brand used my photo in an ad without asking. What can I do?
- Draft a legal notice for copyright infringement of my design.
Example questions
What this does not mean
- Copyright protects the work, not a bare idea. A claim that a music show copied a concept failed at the interim stage (2014 CLD 1696).
- You may not be the first owner of a photo, portrait or film made for payment at the instance of another person, or of work made in the course of employment, unless agreed otherwise (s.13(b), (c)).
- Someone who reasonably believed no copyright existed is liable only to an injunction and the profits, not damages (s.60(1)).
Questions people ask
Who owns copyright in Pakistan?
The author of a work is the first owner of its copyright under section 13 of the Copyright Ordinance 1962, subject to a few exceptions. You do not have to be a big company.
What is the punishment for copyright infringement in Pakistan?
Knowingly infringing or abetting infringement can mean imprisonment up to three years, or a fine up to Rs 100,000, or both (s.66).
Who owns the photos from a paid photoshoot?
Under s.13(b), a photo, portrait or film made for payment at the instance of a client belongs to that client, unless agreed otherwise. Write ownership into the contract before you start.
What can I claim if someone copies my work?
Under s.60(1) you can ask for an injunction to stop the copying, damages for the loss, and accounts of the profits made from your work.
How long does copyright last in Pakistan?
For a published literary, musical or artistic work other than a photo, the life of the author plus 50 years (s.18).
Sources
- Copyright Ordinance, 1962 · Sections 10(1) and 13
Works in which copyright subsists · First owners - Copyright Ordinance, 1962 · Section 66
Offences of infringement
Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. How we check.
