COPYRIGHT registrations rose to a record 6,522 last year, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said on Wednesday, up 76 percent from the 3,706 registrations posted a year earlier.

IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba attributed the result to increased awareness of the importance of copyright registration and the agency's information dissemination efforts.

"Although copyright protection is provided automatically upon creation, registration certificates provide an added layer of protection to copyrighted works," Barba said.

IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba

Books, pamphlets, articles, e-books, audiobooks, comics, novels and similar written materials accounted for just over half or 52.6 percent of copyright registrations.

Audiovisual and cinematographic works followed with 18.1 percent, while computer programs, software, games and applications accounted for another 8.8 percent.

Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights Director Emerson Cuyo, meanwhile, urged creatives to make use of the intellectual property system, particularly since copyright registration can now be done online.

"In just a few clicks and just a few days, you can safeguard your works and navigate the future with greater confidence over the ownership of your works," he added.

"Make the wise decision of registering today rather than regretting not having given your works enough protection."

The government, Cuyo said, was continuing its efforts to enhance copyright education in the country, particularly through roadshows and extending the reach of the Copyright Plus Program.