Complete Process of Obtaining Copyright Registration

Narendra Kumar

05 Apr, 2023

Copyright is legal registration to protect your work, if you have designed something or developed something then try to obtain Copyright registration. Here we are presenting copyright registration procedure in short.

Act Governing the Copyright Registration

Indian Copyright Act, 1957 governs whole of copyright registration

Work in which Copyright Subsists?

Copyright shall subsist throughout India in the following class of works, i.e. to say-

1. Cinematography film
2. Sound recording
3. Dramatic, musical
4. Artistic work
5. Original literary others

Meaning of Copyright

It means the special right to do or give consent to the doing of any of the following acts in respect to the provisions of this Act, namely:-

• In the case of a literary, dramatic or musical work, which is not being a computer program, –
• To replicate the work in any material form including the following:

1. To issue copies of the work to the public not being copies already in circulation;
2. To carry out the work in public, or convert it to the public at large;
3. To make any cinematograph film or sound recording in respect of the work;
4. To make any translation of the work;
5. To make an adaptation of the work;
6. To do, in relation to a translation or an adaptation of the work, any of the acts specified and others

What is Copyright Registration?

Copyright Registration confers upon its owner exclusive rights to copy or reproduce the work or allow or give permission to another person to do so. Copyright is ordinarily possessed by the creator of the work. Copyrights are also transferable. 

Is Copyright Required to be Registered?

Copyrights registration protects the rights of the investors in case of an infringement. This is legal protection that no other can misuse the copyrighted of writer or creator in any form of prescribed work without the consent of the owner.

Copyright identifies the exclusive rights of the owner over an original/ unique work. Such as Music, books, development of software, making films, fashion designs, brochures, and training manuals all enjoy copyright protection, even without registration.

Copyright protection

Registering the work with the registrar of the copyright office is essentially a copyright protection insurance policy. It produces a public record of the work done and also you can subsequently sue anyone for copyright violation made. This registration is only considered as prima facie evidence if done within 5 years of the creation of the work.

Reasons to Register Copyright

1. Registration ensures legal protection
2. It also secures goodwill
3. It also restricts unlawful reproduction of the work of the creator
4. Global protection as copyright in India is recognized virtually worldwide
5. Registration of copyright helps in the creation of assets. and intangible assets and can be sold, franchised or commercially contracted

Just 4 steps for Copyright Registration Procedure

1. Copyright application needs to be prepared and it takes approx. 2 to 4 working days.
2. Filing of such application online with the copyright registrar.
3. Time for Processing Application: After you file your application and receive diary number you have to wait for a mandatory period of 30 days so that no objection is filed in Copyright office against the claim that the particular work is created by you or creator or owner of the work.
4. Copyright registration to get complete takes approx. 3 months.

How Long does Copyright Protection Last?

The copyright protection is valid for life + 60 years after the death of the creator/author/owner.

Copyright v/s Trademark

Also Read: Complete Copyright Registration Process in India