Protect your original literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works with exclusive rights under the Copyright Act, 1957.
Copyright Registration in India is a legal process that grants exclusive rights to creators over their original works — including literary, musical, artistic, dramatic, and software creations. Governed by the Copyright Act, 1957, this protection allows authors, artists, and organizations to control how their work is used, reproduced, distributed, adapted, or performed publicly.
In India, the copyright registration process is overseen by the Registrar of Copyrights and can be completed either online or offline. Applicants must submit required documents, including Form XIV, a No Objection Certificate (if applicable), and proof of originality. Once filed, a Diary Number is issued, followed by a scrutiny period. If no objections arise, the Copyright Registration Certificate is granted.
Beyond legal protection, registration also provides public record of ownership, eligibility for licensing and royalties, legal remedies against infringement, and international protection under treaties like the Berne Convention and WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT).
At LegalNurture, we make copyright protection effortless with end-to-end registration and legal support. Our experts manage the complete process — from application filing to issuance of the certificate.
A copyright is an intellectual property right that protects the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves. It applies to original literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works, as well as films, sound recordings, and software.
This means copyright protects how something is expressed, for instance, a novel’s storyline, a song’s composition, or a film’s screenplay, but not the general idea or concept behind it.
Protection available for various forms of creative expression
At least two copies of the work must be submitted, whether it is literary, artistic, musical, cinematographic, or software-based. For digital works, electronic copies may be required.
A receipt or proof of payment confirming the payment of the official copyright registration fee.
An NOC from the author or applicant is necessary, particularly if the work involves multiple contributors, co-authors, or joint ownership.
If the copyright registration is filed through an authorized agent or representative, a Power of Attorney (PoA) must be provided.
For software copyright registration, the first and last 10 pages of the source code must be submitted.
The applicant’s and author’s name, contact details, nationality, and address must be provided.
Complete Form XIV and compile all required documents — including a copy of the original work, identity proof, and NOC if applicable.
The completed application can be filed online via copyright.gov.in or physically at the Copyright Office.
Facilitate secure and accurate government fee payments through online modes or bank challans.
After submission, the Diary Number is issued by the Copyright Office as your unique application reference ID.
The Copyright Office examines the application to verify its accuracy and authenticity.
If an objection arises, draft a professional response and submit supporting documents or clarifications.
If a hearing is required, assist in representation before the Registrar of Copyrights.
Upon successful verification, the Copyright Registration Certificate is issued.
Keep informed at every stage using your Diary Number for status tracking.
The entire registration process typically takes about 3 to 6 months.
The copyright registration process in India generally takes 3 to 6 months, depending on factors such as application completeness, scrutiny, and objection handling.
Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or due to office backlogs.
Strong legal protection for your creative works — books, music, software, designs, and more
| S.No. | Description of Work | Official Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Literary, Dramatic, Musical, or Artistic Work | 500 per work |
| 2 | Cinematograph Film | 5,000 per work |
| 3 | Sound Recording | 2,000 per work |
* Fees subject to revision. Additional professional fees may apply.
The four main types of intellectual property (IP) protect different forms of creative and innovative work.
| Aspect | Copyright | Patents | Trademarks | Trade Secrets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What’s Protected | Original works of authorship | New inventions | Brands, logos | Confidential info |
| Term of Protection | Life + 60 years | 20 years | Indefinite | Indefinite |
| Registration | Optional but beneficial | Mandatory | Recommended | None |
At LegalNurture, we provide professional, transparent, and end-to-end assistance throughout the copyright registration process.
We handle filing Form XIV and related documents online, ensuring compliance.
Assist in preparing and verifying Statement of Particulars and Power of Attorney.
Manage examiner objections, hearings, and responses to discrepancies.
Track status and secure registration efficiently.
Provide support for enforcement and remedies against unauthorized use.