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Copyright Registration in India

What is Copyright?

Copyright is a legal right granted to the creator of original works, such as literary, artistic, musical, and cinematographic works. Copyright registration protects the creator's work from unauthorized use and provides exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display the work.

In India, copyright protection is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957, and the registration process is handled by the Copyright Office under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Process of Copyright Registration

  1. 1

    Identify the Work to be Copyrighted

    Before applying, determine whether the work falls under copyright protection categories such as books, music, software, artistic work, or cinematographic films.

  2. 2

    File the Copyright Application

    The application is submitted online or offline to the Copyright Office.

    It must include Form XIV, the details of the applicant, the nature of the work, and a copy of the original work.

    Pay the prescribed government fee based on the type of work.

  3. 3

    Examination and Objection Handling

    After submission, a Diary Number is issued for tracking the application.

    The Copyright Office examines the application for any objections.

    If no objection is received within 30 days, the application moves forward for final scrutiny.

    If an objection is raised, the applicant must respond and attend hearings if required.

  4. 4

    Issuance of Copyright Certificate

    Once the application is approved, the Registrar of Copyrights issues a Certificate of Registration.

    The certificate serves as prima facie evidence of copyright ownership in legal proceedings.

Documents Required for Copyright Registration

Required Documents

  • Application Form (Form XIV)
  • Details of the Work (Title, Description, and Type of Work)
  • Identity Proof of the Applicant (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
  • Address Proof of the Applicant (Utility Bill, Bank Statement, etc.)

Additional Documents

  • Copies of the Work (Manuscripts, Drawings, Recordings, or Software Codes)
  • Power of Attorney (if applying through an agent)
  • NOC or Assignment Documents (if applicant is not the original author)

Timeline for Copyright Registration

The registration process may take approximately 8-12 months, depending on objections and examination.

Estimated Timeline

1

Application Filing

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Scrutiny

1-2 months

3

Waiting Period for Objections

30 days

4

Scrutiny and Final Examination

3-6 months (if no objections)

5

Grant of Copyright Certificate

6-12 months (if objections are raised and require hearings)

Our Copyright Registration Services

  • End-to-end copyright application assistance
  • Expert handling of objections and hearings
  • Proper documentation and application preparation
  • Guidance on copyright infringement matters
  • Post-registration support and consultation
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Frequently Asked Questions

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