Intellectual Property

Copyright
Registration

Protect your original creative work - books, music, software, art, films - with Copyright Registration. Legal proof of ownership and protection against unauthorized use.

Lifetime + 60 Years
Copyright Act 1957
Software Protection
Overview

What is Copyright?

Copyright is an intellectual property right that gives creators exclusive rights over their original works. It protects original literary, artistic, musical, dramatic, cinematographic, and software works from unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification.

In India, copyright arises automatically upon creation of the work - you do not need to register it for the copyright to exist. However, registration under the Copyright Act, 1957 provides prima facie legal evidence of ownership, which is crucial in infringement disputes.

Registration is done through the Copyright Office under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). A registered copyright certificate is accepted as legal proof in courts, making enforcement significantly easier.

Literary Works

Books, articles, scripts, blogs, databases and software code

Musical Works

Songs, compositions, sound recordings and performances

Artistic Works

Paintings, sculptures, photographs, maps, and architecture

Software Code

Source code, object code and computer programs

Why Register

Benefits of Copyright Registration

Legal Proof of Ownership

Registration certificate is prima facie evidence of copyright ownership accepted in all courts and tribunals.

Presumption of Validity in Court

Registered copyright shifts the burden of proof to the infringer, making legal enforcement much easier.

Enables Licensing & Royalties

License your work to publishers, streaming platforms, or businesses and earn ongoing royalty income.

Prevents Plagiarism

Deter others from copying, reproducing, or passing off your work as their own with enforceable legal rights.

Protection for Lifetime + 60 Years

Longest IP protection - covers the creator's entire lifetime plus 60 years after death, benefiting heirs.

Software Protection

Source code, apps and software programs are protected as literary works - ideal for IT companies and developers.

Requirements

Documents Required

Applicant Documents

  • Application form (Form XIV) filled and signed
  • Copy of the work (manuscript / artwork / source code)
  • PAN Card of the author/applicant
  • Aadhaar Card / Identity proof

Additional Documents

  • DD / Payment proof for government fee
  • Power of attorney if filing through agent
  • NOC from publisher (if work already published)
  • Date and place of first publication (if applicable)
How It Works

Copyright Registration Process

1

Prepare Work Copy

Prepare a proper copy of the creative work to be registered

2

File Application

File online application on Copyright Office portal with required documents

3

Waiting Period

Mandatory 30-day waiting period for any third-party objections

4

Examination

Copyright Office examines the application and documents

5

Certificate Issued

Copyright Registration Certificate issued with unique diary number

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Copyright covers: books, articles, poetry, dramatic works, music compositions, sound recordings, paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, films, software / source code, databases, and architectural works. The work must be original and expressed in a tangible form - ideas alone are not copyrightable.
Copyright arises automatically on creation - registration is not mandatory. However, a registered copyright serves as prima facie evidence of ownership in court. Without registration, you must prove ownership separately in infringement cases, which is more difficult and expensive. Registration is strongly recommended for commercial works.
For individual creators: copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years after death. For anonymous or pseudonymous works and works of government/corporations: 60 years from the year of publication. For cinematographic films, sound recordings, photographs, and posthumous works: 60 years from publication.
Yes, copyright can be assigned (sold/transferred) to another person or entity through a written assignment agreement. It can also be licensed - exclusively or non-exclusively - to allow others to use the work in exchange for royalties. After the author's death, copyright passes to legal heirs as per succession laws.

Register Your Copyright Today

Get complete copyright registration assistance from our expert team - application, follow-up, and certificate delivery.