Copyright Registration

Secure exclusive rights for your literary, artistic, musical, dramatic, and software works under the Copyright Act, 1957

Copyright Registration

Protect Your Original Works

Copyright is a legal right granted to creators of original works such as books, music, paintings, photographs, software, and more. Registration with the Copyright Office provides prima facie evidence of ownership, making it easier to enforce your rights in case of infringement. Our team assists individuals and businesses in filing copyright applications smoothly.

What Can Be Copyrighted?

  • Literary Works: Novels, poems, articles, computer programs, databases.
  • Artistic Works: Paintings, sculptures, photographs, architectural designs.
  • Musical Works: Compositions, sheet music, song lyrics.
  • Dramatic Works: Scripts, plays, choreography.
  • Cinematograph Films: Movies, videos, animations.
  • Sound Recordings: Recorded music, audiobooks.

Benefits of Copyright Registration

  • Establishes a public record of your ownership.
  • Enables you to sue for infringement and claim statutory damages.
  • Deters potential infringers.
  • Creates an intellectual property asset that can be licensed or sold.
  • Registration is valid for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years (varies by type).

Documents Required

  • Two copies of the work (manuscript, CD/DVD, soft copy).
  • Identity proof of the applicant (PAN, Aadhaar, or Passport).
  • If the applicant is not the author, a No‑Objection Certificate (NOC) from the author.
  • Power of Attorney signed by the applicant (we provide the format).
  • Title and category of the work.
  • Particulars of first publication (if published) — year and country.

Why Register Early?

Copyright exists from the moment a work is created, but registration gives you the legal advantage. Without registration, you may not be able to file a lawsuit for infringement in many jurisdictions, and proving ownership can be difficult. Register your work as early as possible.

Start Your Copyright Registration

Our experts will guide you through the entire filing process — quick and hassle‑free.

Our Copyright Registration Process

A step‑by‑step guide to securing your copyright with ease.

1. Work Review & Categorization

We examine your work and determine the correct category (literary, artistic, etc.) and ensure it meets the originality requirement.

2. Document Preparation

We prepare the application, Power of Attorney, and NOC (if required). You provide the copies of the work.

3. Filing with Copyright Office

We file the application electronically and send the physical copies as per the rules. You receive a diary number immediately.

4. Examination & Objections

The Copyright Office examines the application. If any objections are raised, we draft and file a suitable reply within the prescribed time.

5. Registration Certificate

Once accepted, the registration certificate is issued. The entire process typically takes 6‑10 months.

6. Post‑Registration Support

We assist with amendments, assignments, and future renewals if required. Your copyright remains protected.

Frequently Asked Questions — Copyright

Common queries about copyright registration and protection

Copyright is an exclusive right granted to the creator of an original work to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, or license the work. It covers literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works, cinematograph films, and sound recordings. Registration is done under the Copyright Act, 1957.
Copyright exists automatically when an original work is created and fixed in a tangible form. However, registration provides a public record and a legal presumption of ownership, which is essential to enforce your rights in court. It's strongly recommended for valuable works.
For literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years. For cinematograph films, sound recordings, and photographs, copyright lasts for 60 years from the year of publication. After expiry, the work enters the public domain.
Generally, names, titles, short phrases, and slogans are not eligible for copyright protection as they lack sufficient authorship. However, they may be protected under trademark law if they function as brand identifiers. We can advise on the best IP protection strategy.
Yes, computer programs are protected as literary works under the Copyright Act. The source code, object code, and even the user interface can be copyrighted. We handle software copyright registration regularly.
Copyright protects original creative expressions (books, music, software). Trademark protects brand identifiers (logos, names, slogans) that distinguish goods/services in the marketplace. A single product may have both — the brand name as a trademark, and the user manual as a copyrighted work.
Yes, citizens of countries that are members of the Berne Convention or the Universal Copyright Convention can register copyright in India. The protection is automatically available, but registration strengthens enforcement.
The process typically takes 6‑10 months, depending on the backlog at the Copyright Office and whether any objections are raised. The filing itself is quick, and you receive a diary number immediately for tracking.