Updated on January 06, 2025 10:33:03 AM
The elements of dramatic works that comprise plays, scripts, choreographic pieces and scripts, and other performances are a very important part of India’s history and culture. It’s also necessary that these artistic creations be protected by copyright registration so that the authors can keep full control of their work. This protection not only protects the interests of the creator concerning moral and material ownership in their work but also the work from being used or exploited or infringing another’s right. Through legal accreditation, some benefits that accrue to authors include financial control and realization by licensing, royalties or selling the work, as well as shielding authors from legal lawsuits. This guide focuses on the practical aspects of copyright registration of dramatic works in India as well as providing a step-by-step guide of the registration process and a discussion of the subject in general.
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.
Copyright registration simply provides the work with official documentation and grants the creators better legal defense and tools for reclaiming rights, such as:
The process for registering a copyright varies by country but generally follows these steps:
To successfully apply for copyright registration, you need to gather and submit the following documents:
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.
| S. No. | Type of Application | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (a) | For an application for registration or copyright in a Literary, Dramatic, Musical, or Artistic work | Rs. 500/- per work |
| 1 (b) | For an application for registration of a Literary or Artistic work which is used or capable of being used in relation to goods or services (Section 45) | Rs. 2,000/- per work |
| 2 (a) | For an application for change in particulars of copyright entered in the Register of Copyrights in respect of a Literary, Dramatic, Musical, or Artistic work | Rs. 200/- per work |
| 2 (b) | For an application for change in particulars of copyright in a Literary or Artistic work used in relation to goods or services (Section 45) | Rs. 1,000/- per work |
| 3 | For an application for registration of Copyright in a Cinematograph Film (Section 45) | Rs. 5,000/- per work |
| 4 | For an application for registration of change in particulars of copyright entered in the Register of Copyrights in respect of a Cinematograph Film (Section 45) | Rs. 2,000/- per work |
| 5 | For an application for registration of copyright in a Sound Recording (Section 45) | Rs. 2,000/- per work |
| 6 | For an application for registration of changes in particulars of copyright entered in the Register of Copyrights in respect of a Sound Recording (Section 45) | Rs. 1,000/- per work |
| 7 | For taking extracts from the indexes (Section 47) | Rs. 500/- per work |
| 8 | For taking extracts from the Register of Copyrights (Section 47) | Rs. 500/- per work |
| 9 | For a certified copy of an extract from the Register of Copyrights or the indexes (Section 47) | Rs. 500/- per copy |
| 10 | For a certified copy of any other public document in the custody of the Register of Copyright or Secretary of the Copyright Board | Rs. 500/- per copy |
| 11 | For an application for prevention of importation of infringing copies (Section 53) per place of entry | Rs. 1,200/- per work |
Note: Professional fees for the copyright registration is ₹2,000 only with Professional Utilities.
Copyright registration for dramatic work is compulsory to avoid infringement of the creator’s rights to ownership and the exclusive control of the copyright of the work. Copyright gives equitable legal rights and secures the ownership of particulars; it creates evidence for ownership and allows the owners to make pecuniary benefit from their production by permitting it to get licenses, royalty's, or any other lawful means without much restriction. Even though the registration process is simple, certain procedures need to be followed, documents furnished and specific fees paid. That being the case, creators may seek registration for copyright in order to defend the work against infringement and increase its marketability. Initiatives such as this one foster creativity and guarantee that inventors are given the credit they deserve for their work and are rewarded for it.
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.
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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.
It affords legal safeguard, prevents violation, and acts as proof of ownership when there are legal rows over ownership. It also enables creators to sell their work as licenses, as well as by charging royalties on works sold.
No, it is not necessary to register a copyright, because copyright is vested as soon as the work is created and stored in some medium or other. But the registration gives other legal advantages as well as an official document that supports the ownership.
Yes, it differs with the type of work that a consultant is handling. For instance, filing a work that is literary, dramatic, musical or artistic costs ₹500 per work.
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