Copyright Registration Online in India

What is Copyright Registration?

Copyright Registration is the official legal process of securing your ownership over an original creative work with the government. It grants you exclusive rights over how your work is used, distributed, and reproduced.

While copyright protection is automatically granted in India when a work is created, formal registration provides a legal advantage. The issued Copyright Registration certificate acts as prima facie evidence of your ownership in a court of law, which is essential for enforcement.

Types of Creative Works Protected

The Copyright Act, 1957 protects a broad spectrum of creative works:

• Literary Works: Books, articles, poetry, manuscripts, blogs, websites, and computer software (source code).
• Artistic Works: Paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, architectural works, and logos (artistic aspect).
• Musical Works: Original musical scores, harmonies, and arrangements.
• Sound Recordings: The recorded sound itself, separate from the underlying music or lyrics (e.g., master recordings, podcasts).
• Cinematograph Films: Feature films, documentaries, animated films, and videos.
• Dramatic Works: Plays, screenplays, choreography, and pantomimes.

Benefits of Copyright Registration

• Legal Proof: A registration certificate is your official proof of ownership, recognized in court.
• Monetization: Makes it easier to license your work for royalties, sell, or rent it.
• Deters Infringement: A public record warns others against copying your work.
• Global Protection: Since India is a signatory to the Berne Convention, your work is protected in other member countries.
• Legal Remedies: Enables you to sue for damages and obtain injunctions against infringers.

Documents Required for Registration

A complete and accurate checklist is vital for preventing delays:

Basic Documents

• Completed Form XIV (application form).
• Power of Attorney (if filed through an agent).
• Applicant's ID and Address Proof (Aadhar/PAN/Passport).
• Statement of Particulars and Statement of Further Particulars.

Specific Documents

• Literary/Dramatic: 2 copies of the work (manuscript/book).
• Artistic: 2 copies of the work (photos/sketches).
• Software: Source code and object code (first and last 10 pages).
• Sound Recording/Film: 2 copies of the DVD/CD.
• NOC: From publisher, author, or other contributors if applicable.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Filing Application: Submit Form XIV along with the required fees and documents (physically or online).
2. Examination: The Copyright Office examines the application. A diary number is issued.
3. Objections (if any): If there are objections, you must respond within 30 days.
4. Waiting Period: A mandatory 30-day waiting period allows third parties to object.
5. Registration: If no objections arise (or are resolved), the Registrar enters the details in the Register of Copyrights and issues the Registration Certificate.

Fees & Penalties

Government Fees (approximate)

• Literary, Dramatic, Musical, Artistic Works: ₹500 per work.
• Artistic Work (for goods): ₹2,000 per work.
• Sound Recording: ₹2,000 per work.
• Cinematograph Film: ₹5,000 per work.

Penalties for Infringement

Copyright infringement is a serious offense carrying both civil and criminal penalties:

• Imprisonment: 6 months to 3 years.
• Fine: ₹50,000 to ₹2 Lakhs.
• Civil Remedies: Injunctions, damages, and account of profits.

Validity & Renewal

Copyright registration is generally a one-time process and does not require renewal.

• Literary, Dramatic, Musical, Artistic Works: Lifetime of the author + 60 years.
• Cinematograph Films, Sound Recordings, Photographs: 60 years from the year of publication.