Copyright Registration

What is Copyright?  

Copyright is a special legal right that automatically belongs to you the moment you create something original whether it’s a story, a song, a painting, a photograph, or a video. This right means you, and only you, get to decide who can copy, share, or use your work. If someone else wants to use it say, to print your poem in a book or play your song at an event they need to get your permission first. 

In India, copyright lasts for your whole life plus 60 years. After that, your work becomes public, and anyone can use it without asking. 

The Copyright Act, 1957 explains what copyright is and the rights it gives, such as making copies, showing or performing the work in public, or adapting it. 

Example - Amul, a well-known Indian dairy brand, registers copyrights for its original advertising slogans, and creative campaigns with the Copyright Office of India thereby protecting its uniqueness.  

This helps Amul protect its unique marketing content and stop others from copying or using it without permission, ensuring their brand stays safe and original. 

Who Should Register for a Copyright in India? 

• Creators of Original Works which includes Authors, musicians, filmmakers, artists, photographers, software developers, and designers who produce original content like books, songs, films, artwork, software, or graphic designs. 
• Performers and Producers like Actors, dancers, musicians, and other performers, along with producers of films, multimedia content, and publishers of books or journals. 
• Businesses and Organizations like Companies that create original branding, logos, marketing materials, or digital content like blogs, videos, and podcasts.

Why is Copyright Registration Important? 

1. Strong Legal Proof 

Once your work is registered, the Certificate of Registration serves as prima facie (initial) evidence under Section 58 of the Copyright Act, 1957. In simple terms, it’s official proof that you own the work so if someone copies it, you don’t have a problem in proving it. 

2. Easier Enforcement

You can file an infringement (violation) suit in a civil court and claim statutory damages and costs, once you have been registered. Without it, you’re at a disadvantage courts rely on that registration certificate when deciding copyright disputes. 

3. Deterrent Effect

You can easily avoid potential infringers who are likely to copy or misuse your work if they see it’s officially recorded in your name. 

4. Licensing and Monetization

You can license your song, book, design, or software. Registration makes negotiations smoother because prospective licensees can verify your ownership instantly. 

5. Global Enforcement

After registering in India can help you enforce your rights internationally; many countries respect and even require a registration certificate to act against unauthorized use in abroad. 

Real Life Scenario- 

T-Series is one of India’s biggest music and film companies and we all know it creates songs, music videos, movies, and other creative content. To protect this work, T-Series registers its content like song lyrics, music, videos, and scripts with the Copyright Office of India.  

This registration gives them legal proof that they own the work. So, if someone uses their songs or videos without permission for example, on YouTube or in a movie T-Series can quickly take action, like sending a legal notice or asking the platform to remove the content. This helps them stop piracy and misuse.  

It also allows them to officially sell or license their content to others while keeping their rights safe. The T-Series example shows how important copyright registration is for artists and companies to protect and earn from their creative work. 

Documents Required for Copyright Registration 

To complete the registration process, the following documents are typically required: 

1. Copies of the Work: 
   • Published works: Three copies. 
   • Unpublished works: Two copies. 
2. Details of the Applicant  
3. No-Objection Certificates  
4. Source Code (for software). 
5. Power of Attorney (if filed by an attorney). 

Copyright Registration Fees in India 

The fee for copyright registration in India depends on the category of work being registered. Here's a simplified overview of the costs involved:              

Note: Fees are subject to change as per government notifications. 

Online Copyright Registration Process in India 

Securing copyright registration involves a systematic process that includes the following key steps: 

Step 1: Access the official website 

• Visit the Official website of the Copyright Office and Go to Online Services sidebar and select Registration of Copyright (Form - XIV). 
• Log in with your valid User ID and Password. If you still need to register, click on "New User Registration. Make sure to note down your User ID and Password for future reference. 

Step 2: Submission of Application 

• An application containing all the necessary particulars and a statement of the particulars must be prepared in the prescribed format (Form - XIV). 
• After logging in, click the "Click for Online Copyright Registration" link. The online "Copyright Registration Form" requires completion in four steps: 
• Fill out Form XIV, then click "SAVE" to save your entered details, and proceed to Step 2 
• Complete the "Statement of Particulars" and click "SAVE" to save your entered details. 
• Fill out the "Statement of Further Particulars. This form applies to "LITERARY/DRAMATIC, MUSICAL, ARTISTIC, AND SOFTWARE" works. Click "SAVE" to store your entered details and proceed. 
• Make Payment: This application and the requisite fees outlined in Schedule 2 of the Copyright Act are then forwarded to the copyright registrar. Use Google Chrome as the browser since it works perfectly. 
• Additionally, the applicant and an Advocate holding a Vakalatnama or a Power of Attorney (POA) must sign every application. 

Step 3: Dairy Number Issuance 

• Upon receiving the application, the registrar will issue a Dairy Number, marking the initiation of the copyright registration process. After that you need to upload the documents.  
• After a 30-day waiting period for any potential objections to be submitted, print one hard copy of each of the "Acknowledgement Slip" and the "Copyright Registration Form" and send them by post. 

Step 4: Copy Right Objection Handling 

If no objections are raised within 30 days, a scrutinizer will assess the application for any discrepancies. If no differences are found, the registration will proceed, and an extract will be provided to the registrar for entry into the Register of Copyright. 

Step 5: Objection Resolution 

If objections are received, both parties will receive a notification from the examiner outlining the objections. A hearing will be arranged to address these objections. 

Step 6: Application Scrutiny 

Following the hearing and the resolution of objections, the scrutinizer will meticulously review the application if applicable. Subsequently, they will either approve or reject the application, depending on the specific circumstances. 

Step 7: Get a Copyright Registration Certificate 

• Once the application is approved, the relevant authority will issue the copyright registration certificate. In the usual course of events, the entire process typically takes approximately 2 to 3 months to complete. 

Difference between Trademark, Copyright and Patent 

Copyright Guide: Dos, Don’ts & Expert Tips

How DigiLawyer Can Help You With Copyright Registration?

At DigiLawyer, we make copyright registration simple, smooth, and stress-free.  

With DigiLawyer, you don’t have to worry about legal jargon or paperwork, we take care of it all so you can focus on your creative work. 

Post Registration Compliance with DigiLawyer 

FAQs Related to Copyright Registration