Copyright Registration in India – Taaza Private Limited Company

What is Copyright Registration?

Copyright Registration is the official process of securing legal ownership over your original creative work. While copyright protection in India is automatic upon creation, formal registration with the government strengthens your rights by serving as prima facie evidence in court.

With a Copyright Certificate, you can control how your work is used, distributed, and monetized — and take swift legal action against infringement.

Purpose of Copyright Registration

• Official Proof of Ownership – Your name in the public copyright register.

• Stronger Legal Protection – Right to sue infringers and stop unauthorized use.

• Easier Monetization – License, sell, or rent your work with confidence.

• Full Creative Control – Decide how your work is adapted or shared.

Types of Creative Works You Can Protect

• Literary Works – Books, blogs, articles, software code, databases.

• Artistic Works – Paintings, photographs, logos, architecture.

• Musical Works – Original compositions, melodies, arrangements.

• Sound Recordings – Songs, podcasts, speeches.

• Cinematograph Films – Movies, documentaries, animations.

• Dramatic Works – Plays, screenplays, choreography.

• Software – Computer programs, mobile apps.

• Derivative Works – Adaptations, translations, remixes.

Your Legal Rights as a Copyright Owner

Economic Rights:

• Reproduce your work in any format.

• Distribute or sell copies.

• Publicly perform or broadcast.

• Create adaptations or translations.

• Authorize commercial rentals (specific works).

Moral Rights: (cannot be waived)

• Right to be credited as the creator.

• Right to object to distortion or misuse.

Legal Framework in India

• The Copyright Act, 1957 (Amended 2012)

• Copyright Rules, 2013

• International Treaties: Berne Convention, TRIPS, WIPO Copyright Treaty

Benefits of Copyright Registration

✔ Stronger Proof in Court – Certificate acts as undeniable evidence.
✔ Monetization Opportunities – Easier licensing and sales.
✔ Deterrence – Public record warns against copying.
✔ Creative Control – You decide how your work is used.

Eligibility Criteria

You can register if you are:

• The original creator.

• A legal owner via transfer/assignment.

• An employer (for employee-created works).

• A legal heir of a deceased creator.

Documents Required (Basic)

• Completed Form XIV

• Power of Attorney (if applicable)

• ID & address proof

• Declaration of originality

• Work samples (digital/physical) depending on category

(Specific works may need additional documents such as NOCs, contracts, or technical details.)

How to Register Copyright in India – Step-by-Step Guide

By Taaza Private Limited Company – Your trusted partner for copyright protection.

Step 1: Identify & Prepare Your Work

• Classify your creative work (literary, artistic, musical, software, etc.).

• Gather Form XIV, proof of identity, and copies of your work.

• Ensure originality and eligibility for copyright.

• Calculate applicable government fees.

Step 2: Create Your Application

• Online: Register on the official Copyright Office e-filing portal.

• Offline: Prepare physical documents for submission in New Delhi.

• Fill all forms accurately and organize supporting documents as per format.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• File via online portal (recommended) or in person.

• Pay the required government fees.

• Keep your acknowledgment receipt & diary number for tracking.

Step 4: Application Examination

• Registrar reviews your application for compliance.

• Respond quickly to any objections or clarification requests.

• Track status with your diary number.

Step 5: Publication & Opposition

• Application published in the Copyright Journal.

• 30-day window for third-party objections.

• Address any disputes promptly with supporting evidence.

Step 6: Registration Certificate Issuance

• Upon approval, you receive a digitally signed PDF certificate.

• Your copyright is officially recorded in the Register of Copyrights.

Government Fees for Copyright Registration

(Govt. fees exclude professional service charges.)

Timeline & Validity

• 8–12 months for registration (longer if objections arise).

• Valid for lifetime of creator + 60 years (literary/artistic works).

• 60 years from publication for films, sound recordings, photographs, etc.

Renewal & Cancellation

• No renewal required.

• Cancellation possible if registration obtained by fraud, misrepresentation, or against public interest.

Legal Remedies for Infringement

• Civil: Injunctions, damages, account of profits.

• Criminal: Imprisonment, fines, digital piracy penalties under Section 63A.

Difference Between Copyright, Trademark & Patent

How to Check Copyright Status

1. Visit copyright.gov.in

2. Click “Status of Application”

3. Enter your Diary Number to view updates.

How to Download Your Copyright Certificate

1. Login to copyright.gov.in

2. Go to Registered Works

3. Select your work & click Download Certificate.