What is Copyright Registration - Procedure, Documents and Fees

Copyright is a legal procedure designed to protect authors ‘creations and give them special rights concerning their original works. Registering a copyright may be done with a view to creating a legal foundation of ownership, which is essential when the owners show willingness to defend their work against infringement. This process insulates the creator from the vagaries that characterize the ownership of the work, especially the distribution, reproduction and adaptation of the work. In this guide, we will discuss the details of copyright registration, the importance of and benefits accrued from it, and the procedure for acquiring it.

Table of Content

• What is Copyright?      

• Benefits of Copyright Registration

• Process of Copyright Registration 

• Documents Required for Copyright Registration 

• Fees for Copyright Registration

• Validity of Copyright Registration

• Conclusion

• FAQs

What is Copyright?      

Copyright is a legal regime afforded an author of creation, enabling the creator to control the use of the created work. It provides the creator with the exclusive rights to make copies of his creation, sell, rent or broadcast it, or allow others to do so. Copyright is intended to protect ideas, encourage invention, and creative work in science and art to provide compensation for employees upon having their works protected financially and morally. This protection is conferred when a work is reduced to physical means, and the protection is for a limited time, which, though, can be the life of the creator plus so many years depending on the laws of the country. Some of these are for fair use and for a particular usage without permission.

Benefits of Copyright Registration

Copyright registration simply provides the work with official documentation and grants the creators better legal defense and tools for reclaiming rights, such as:

1. Legal Protection: The Copyrights Act provides an application for registration; the registration certificate gives the owner a public record to protect him against the infringers.

2. Exclusive Rights: Registered copyright gives the owner the legal ownership of the work to reproduce, distribute or modify the piece of work.

3. Evidence of Ownership: It also plays a role of initial admissible evidence in the case where the creator involves himself or herself in a legal case.

4. Public Notification: Registration informs the public of the copyright, hence preventing future infringement.

5. Monetary Benefits: Contractors may license or sell a work, and they receive royalties or additional receipts as added products.

Process of Copyright Registration 

Copyright registration is systematic documentation of the legal processes that results in recognition of your work. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the registration process:

1. Access the Official Website:

   • Visit the Copyright Office of India website.

   • If you are a first-time user, make sure you sign up as a new member.

2. Submit Application:

   • Log in to your account.

   • Click on "Online Copyright Registration."

   • Complete the form, providing information about your work (title of work, type of work, etc.).

   • You will be asked to upload a scanned copy of your signature and any other necessary papers.

3. Payment:

   • Go to the online payment and process the required payment.

4. Dairy Number Issuance:

   • Upon submission, you shall be provided with a dairy number signifying the beginning of your application.

   • Wait for 30 days for any objections.

5. Application Scrutiny:

   • If there is no opposition, your application will be handed over to a scrutinizer.

   • If there are issues, then certain hearings will be held in order to sort it out.

6. Obtain Copyright Registration Certificate:

   • When your application is approved, a copyright registration certificate shall be issued to you.

   • The whole process in general takes 2 to 3 months.

Documents Required for Copyright Registration 

To successfully apply for copyright registration, you need to gather and submit the following documents:

1. Application Form (Form XIV)

2. Copy of the Work (2 copies for unpublished, 3 copies for published)

3. Identity Proof (PAN card and Aadhaar card)

4. No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from:

   • Author (if applicable)

   • Publisher (if applicable)

   • Individuals appearing in the work (if applicable)

5. Power of Attorney (if applicable)

6. Details about the Work (title, language, year of publication, country of publication)

7. Contact Information (mobile number and email address)

Fees for Copyright Registration

The official fee for filing an application for registration of copyright in a Literary, Dramatic, Musical or Artistic work is INR 500/- per work. The table outlines the fee structure for various copyright registration applications and related services under the Copyright Act.

Note:- Professional fees for the copyright registration is ₹2,000 only with Professional Utilities.

Validity of Copyright Registration

Issued once, copyright registration for 60 years is effective. If it is literary, drama, or music work, the 60-year validity is counted starting from the year of death of the author. Unlike with the films, sound recordings, and photographs, the validity period of 60 years is counted from the time they are published.

Conclusion

Obtaining copyright brings out a legal procedure to ensure that no unlawful utilisation of the original work is being made. As an advantage, it brings rights to the owner, offers legal recognition, and acts as proof of ownership in a case of dispute. Registration entails filling out registration forms, tendering application documents and meeting the registration fee. Through registration, the creators are given the rights of use, reproduction, selling and distribution of the work in return for the benefits to be accorded them in legal matters and possible monetary compensation. It expires after 60 years, providing protection with a long durability and thus being able to guarantee that the creator is under a certain protection.

Why Professional Utilities?

At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.

One Stop Corporate
Solution

PAN India
Services

Free Expert
Assistance

Google Verified
Business

Dedicated Support
Staff

Money-Back
Guarantee

What is copyright registration?

Copyright describes the process of formally notifying authorities of ownership in an original work and providing the author complete control over the work in question as well as its use, sale and reproduction.

Can I register a logo under both copyright and trademark?

Yes, logos can be copyrighted as applicable to an artistic work, and they can also be trademarked as a symbol of a particular enterprise. Copyright preserves the artistic work, whereas trademark preserves the practical application of art.

What is the purpose of copyright registration?

Protection of copyright view as a legal entitlement of a creator to prevent others from reproducing an original work as well as selling, licensing or otherwise exploiting it.

Can I register unpublished works for copyright?

Yes, you can register unpublished works. However, further documents, such as NOCs from co-authors (if any), may be necessary.

Speak Directly to our Expert Today

Get in Touch

Expert Consultation

Affordable

Client Support