copyright registration

E-Filing of Copyright Registration in India

Copyright is a form of intellectual property law that grants creators exclusive rights over their original works of authorship. These works can include literature, music, art, films, software, and other creative expressions. The main purpose of copyright is to protect the creator’s rights and control over how their work is used.

Categories in the Register of Copyrights

Basic Requirements For Copyright Registration

Creator's Basic Information

The applicant must provide basic details, including name, address, and nationality, as a part of the copyright registration.

Power of Attorney

If the registration process is conducted through an advocate or legal representative, the applicant must duly sign a Power of Attorney.

Submission of Work Sample

The work must be submitted in a soft copy format such as JPEG, JPG, or GIF for visual art. For computer programs or databases, 4 copies on CD or DVD are required.

Trademark Certificate for Artistic Works

Before registering copyright for an artistic work, the applicant should obtain a copyright search certificate from the trademark office.

Documents Required for Copyright Registration

General Requirements

Specific Document Requirements for Various Types of Works

Artistic Works

Cinematographic Films

Music

Literary or Dramatic Works

Sound Recordings

Fees

Copyright Registration

2999
  • Exclusive of Government Fees
  • Free Consultation with copyright expert
  • Dedicated Copyright Expert
  • Drafting and filing
  • Call, Chat, Email Support
  • No hidden charges

Main Difference Between Intellectual Property

ASPECT COPYRIGHT TRADEMARK PATENT
Meaning
Provides legal protection for creators of original works, such as literature, music, films, and software.
Protects symbols, logos, names, or designs that distinguish a business’s goods or services.
Grants exclusive rights to an inventor for a novel invention, preventing others from using it.
Protection Covers
Artistic works like books, music, movies, choreography, software, and databases.
Words, logos, symbols, colors, designs, or any feature identifying a business or product.
Novel inventions, including processes, machines, or compositions of matter.
Significance
Protects the expression of ideas and creative content.
Ensures brand recognition and distinctiveness.
Safeguards the creation and technological advancements of inventors.
Governing Law
Indian Copyright Act, 1957
Trade Marks Act, 1999
Indian Patent Act, 1970
Registration Requirements
The work must be original, creative, and fixed in a tangible form.
The mark must be unique and distinguishable.
The invention must be original, useful, and involve an inventive step.
Exclusions
Others cannot copy, distribute, or reproduce the work without the creator’s permission.
Prevents others from using the same logo, symbol, or name.
Prohibits others from making, using, or selling the patented invention without authorization.
Validity Period
60 years from the creator’s death for literary, dramatic, musical, or artistic works.
10 years, renewable indefinitely upon meeting renewal requirements.
20 years from the filing date of the patent application.
Rights Granted
Ownership rights to distribute, copy, and reproduce the original work.
Exclusive rights to use the trademark, preventing unauthorized usage by others.
Exclusive rights to prevent others from making, selling, or using the patented invention.
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How Our Team Works

Complete the Form and Make the Payment

Receive a Call from a Dedicated Copyright Expert

Submit Your Concept Details and Required Documents

Application Filing by Copyright Experts

Congratulations! Your Copyright Application is Submitted

Benefits of Copyright Registration in India

Although copyright protection is automatic, formally registering your copyright provides several key advantages:

  • Legal Proof of Ownership

    • Registration establishes a public record of ownership, serving as compelling evidence if disputes arise over copyright infringement.
  • Right to Initiate Infringement Claims

    • In India, you must have a registered copyright to file a lawsuit for infringement, ensuring legal standing to protect your work.
  • Assumption of Valid Ownership

    • Courts consider a registered copyright as valid, shifting the burden of proof to the accused party to challenge this presumption.
  • Enhanced Monetary Compensation

    • Registration allows you to pursue higher monetary damages and statutory remedies if your copyright is violated.
  • Deterrence Against Infringement

    • Registering your copyright signals a proactive approach to safeguarding your intellectual property, potentially deterring others from unauthorized use.
  • Customs Protection Against Piracy

    • Copyright registration can be recorded with Indian Customs to block the importation of infringing copies.
  • Facilitates International Enforcement

    • Although not required for global protection, registration can help enforce your rights in countries with reciprocal copyright arrangements with India.

These benefits make copyright registration a strategic step to solidify and defend your intellectual property rights.

Rights of Copyright Owners

Copyright holders enjoy exclusive rights that allow them to control the use and distribution of their work. These rights include:

  1. Reproduction Rights

    • The right to produce copies of the work in any format, whether physical, digital, or audio-visual, ensuring control over how the work is duplicated.
  2. Distribution Rights

    • The authority to distribute copies of the work through sale, rental, lease, or lending, making it available to the public on their terms.
  3. Creation of Derivative Works

    • The right to adapt or modify the original work to produce new creations, such as translations, adaptations, or condensed versions.
  4. Public Performance Rights

    • The right to perform the work in public venues, including concerts, plays, or movie screenings, allowing for audience engagement and commercial exploitation.
  5. Public Display Rights

    • The authority to exhibit the work in public spaces, such as art galleries, museums, or online platforms, for a wide audience.
  6. Communication Rights

    • The ability to transmit or broadcast the work to the public via radio, TV, or the internet, expanding its reach and accessibility.

These rights empower copyright owners to manage how their work is used, ensuring they benefit from its commercial and cultural value.

Copyright Registration Process in India

Follow these steps to register your copyright in India:

  1. Filing the Application

    • Obtain Form XIV from the Copyright Office’s website or a local office.
    • Complete the form with details about the work, ownership, and contact information.
    • Attach necessary documents, such as soft copies of the work, proof of payment, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), if required.
    • Submit the application either online or physically at the Copyright Office.
  2. Payment of Fees

    • Pay the registration fee, which varies based on the type of work, through an online payment gateway or demand draft.
  3. Submission of Work Copies

    • For online submissions, upload digital copies in the specified formats (e.g., PDF, MP3, MP4).
    • For physical submissions, send the copies to the Copyright Office.
  4. Examination Process

    • The Copyright Office reviews the application to ensure it is complete and meets all legal requirements.
    • If there are any deficiencies, the applicant will be notified to make the necessary corrections.
  5. Registration Approval

    • Once approved, the work is registered, and a Certificate of Registration is issued.
    • The copyright protection lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years.

Following these steps ensures your creative work is legally protected under Indian copyright law.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A: Copyright is an intellectual property right, similar to trademarks and patents, that grants legal protection to creators for their original works. It covers a range of unique creations including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, regardless of whether they are published. Examples of such works include books, plays, songs, films, software, and photos. Copyright ensures that the rights of the creators over their original content are safeguarded under intellectual property law.

A: Copyright can be applied to various types of creative content, including literary works like books, audio recordings, music compositions, visual art, films, theatrical performances, software programs, databases, advertisements, and paintings. These works qualify for copyright protection as long as they are original and expressed in a tangible form.

A: No, copyright registration does not extend to ideas or mathematical concepts. Copyright protects the expression of ideas rather than the ideas themselves, meaning that concepts or theories cannot be registered under copyright law.

A: No, you cannot obtain copyright protection for a website as a single entity. Instead, you must submit individual copyright applications for each component or element of the website, such as text, images, graphics, and software, to secure protection for those specific parts.

A: Copyright registration can be pursued by any individual or business entity. This includes authors, creators, musicians, photographers, producers, painters, composers, or companies looking to protect their original works through this legal mechanism.

A: No, copyright registration is not mandatory. By default, when a creative work such as a text, drawing, or photograph is created, the copyright automatically belongs to the author. However, while registration is not required for copyright protection to exist, it is essential if you intend to take legal action for copyright infringement. Additionally, registering your work helps establish ownership more easily in case of a dispute and can enable you to seek greater damages in an infringement case.

A: The key distinction between patents and copyrights lies in their purpose and the types of creations they protect. Patents are designed to safeguard inventions, such as new products or processes, preventing others from exploiting them without permission and encouraging their commercial use. In contrast, copyrights focus on protecting original works of authorship, including literature, music, films, art, and software, ensuring that these creations are not copied or used without authorization.

A: Registering copyright is essential to protect your original creations from unauthorized use or exploitation. It serves as official proof of ownership, establishing that the work is uniquely yours. This legal recognition not only deters potential infringement but also strengthens your position should you need to take legal action against those who misuse your work.

A: Copyright registration provides several key benefits:

  • You gain the right to use the copyright symbol, enhancing the visibility of your ownership.
  • It simplifies the process of proving ownership in cases of infringement or plagiarism.
  • Registration is necessary if you wish to initiate legal proceedings for copyright infringement.
  • It enables you to seek greater financial compensation for damages resulting from infringement.
  • With a one-time fee, you secure lifelong protection for your creative work.

A: If the application is rejected, you can file an appeal with the Intellectual Property Appellate Board to challenge the decision and seek reconsideration.

A: Copyright registration under the Indian Copyright Act offers protection solely within India. However, India is a signatory to several international agreements that extend the protection of Indian works abroad, including:

  • The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.
  • The Universal Copyright Convention.
  • The Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms against Unauthorized Duplication of their Phonograms.
  • The Multilateral Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation of Copyright Royalties.
  • The Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
    As a result, your original work registered in India is protected in 176 countries around the world.

A: The validity of copyright for your literary, musical, or artistic work lasts for the creator’s lifetime, plus an additional 60 years after their death. This means that the rights to the work continue to be protected long after the creator has passed away.

A: A Copyright Diary Number is a distinctive identification number assigned when you submit a copyright application online. This number allows you to track the status of your copyright application throughout the registration process.

A: To copyright your book in India, you need to submit some essential details about the author along with the complete content of the book. Our expert copyright consultants will handle the registration process for you at the copyright office, ensuring your book is properly protected.

A: To copyright your song in India, simply provide some basic details about the music composer or owner along with an MP3 file of the original track. Our copyright experts will take care of the registration process with the copyright office, ensuring your song is legally protected.

 

A: While copyright protection under the Indian Copyright Act is limited to India, the country has joined several international conventions to safeguard Indian works abroad. These include the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, which encompasses 176 member countries, the Universal Copyright Convention, the Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms against Unauthorized Duplication, the Multilateral Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation of Copyright Royalties, and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.

A: Absolutely! Covering Taxes is an online platform that operates across all of India. No matter where your business is located, as long as you have an internet connection on your mobile or desktop, we are ready to assist you in getting your copyright needs fulfilled.

A: No, you don’t need to be physically present for the process. Covering Taxes operates online, so all you need is an internet connection on your phone or computer along with the required documents. We can assist you regardless of your location, even if you’re in the most remote areas of India.