Copyright Registration

Copyright registration protects original literary, artistic, musical, dramatic, cinematographic and software works under the Copyright Act, 1957. Protection exists automatically on creation, but registration with the Copyright Office creates a public record and strong prima-facie evidence of ownership in an infringement dispute.

Who needs this: The author, or an assignee/employer who owns the work, can apply. Works must be original; ideas, titles and common phrases are not protectable.

Government portal: Copyright Office (copyright.gov.in).

Indicative fees: ₹500–₹5,000 government fee per work (varies by category) + ₹2,000–₹8,000 professional fees.

Timeline: 6–12 months (a 30-day objection window applies after filing before examination).

Documents required

Copy of the work (soft/hard copy)
Applicant's ID and address proof
NOC from the author if the applicant is not the author
Power of attorney if filed through an agent
For software: source code extracts and a description

Step-by-step process

Identify the correct category (literary, artistic, musical, software, cinematograph, sound recording)
File Form XIV online on the Copyright Office portal and pay the fee
Receive the diary number (acknowledgement) immediately
Wait out the mandatory 30-day objection window
If no objection, the examiner scrutinises the application for discrepancies
Respond to any discrepancy letter with clarifications
The Registrar enters the work in the Register of Copyrights and issues the certificate
Keep the certificate as prima-facie proof of ownership for enforcement

Penalty for non-compliance

Copyright infringement is punishable with imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 under the Copyright Act.

Frequently asked questions

Is copyright registration mandatory?

No. Copyright subsists automatically the moment an original work is created. Registration is optional but gives you a public record and strong evidence of ownership, which is valuable in an infringement suit.

How long does copyright last?

For literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, the author's lifetime plus 60 years. For films, sound recordings and photographs, 60 years from publication.

Can I copyright software?

Yes — computer programs are protected as literary works. You file with extracts of the source code and a description of the program.

What cannot be copyrighted?

Ideas, concepts, titles, names, slogans and common information. Copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself — brand names are protected by trademark instead.

What is the objection window?

After filing, there is a mandatory 30-day period during which any third party can object to the registration. Examination proceeds only after this window closes.