Brand Copyright Registration - Procedure, Documents and Fees

Updated on December 16, 2024 09:32:10 AM

The issue of protecting business identity in the current world business environment is crucial if one is to think of having a stronger position in the market. Copyright infringement is one of the best ways to defend and protect your business’s unique properties, including logos, slogans, advertising materials, as well as other exclusive marketing content. It prohibits others from using your work without your permission, thus reproducing, distributing or making a modification of your products without your consent. This guide explores the importance of registering copyright for businesses in India and also explains the importance of registering businesses’ copyrights, all in a simplified manner alongside giving the business a hassle-free step-by-step guide on how to register for a copyright.

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.

pu seperater

Benefits of Brand 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:

  • 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.
  • Exclusive Rights: Registered copyright gives the owner the legal ownership of the work to reproduce, distribute or modify the piece of work.
  • 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.
  • Public Notification: Registration informs the public of the copyright, hence preventing future infringement.
  • Monetary Benefits: Contractors may license or sell a work, and they receive royalties or additional receipts as added products.
Benefits of Brand Copyright Registration
pu seperater

Process of Brand 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:

Step 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

Step 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.

Step 3: Payment

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

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.
pu seperater

Documents Required for Brand Copyright Registration

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

Documents Required for Brand Copyright Registration
  1. Application Form
  2. Copies of the Work:
    • Three copies (if published)
    • Two copies (if unpublished)
  3. Identity Proofs:
    • Aadhaar Card or PAN Card (for individuals)
    • Incorporation Certificate, Company PAN, and Company TAN (for companies)
  4. No Objection Certificates (NOCs):
    • From the author (if applicable)
    • From the publisher (if different from the applicant)
    • From individuals whose photos appear in the Brand (if applicable)
    • From the trademark office (if applicable)
  5. Additional Information:
    • Title and language of the work
    • Name, address, and nationality of the applicant
    • Contact information
  6. Power of Attorney
  7. Acknowledgment Slip
  8. Payment Receipt
pu seperater

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.

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.

pu seperater

Conclusion

It is important for any business entity to obtain registration for brand copyright where it has developed logos, tag lines, as well as marketing information. Copyright, on the other hand, guarantees legal protection, exclusive control, and authority to restrain other people from using the brand identity of a business. It is an easy process whereby you have to tender some documents and the necessary charges. After registration, legal rights are issued to businesses, increasing the capability of combating infringement and potentially gaining royalties or licensing. Holding a copyright to protect your brand identity is one of the most wise strategies for your business specializing in its development.

Get Expert Consultation

pu seperater

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.

All Corporate Services

One Stop Corporate Solution

PAN India Services

PAN India
Services

Expert CA/CS Assistance

Free Expert
Assistance

Google Verified Bussiness

Google Verified
Business

Dedicated Support staff

Dedicated Support
Staff

Money-Back Guarantee

Money-Back
Guarantee

Trusted By

pu seperater

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Why is copyright registration important?

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.

Is copyright registration mandatory in India?

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.

Is there a fee for copyright registration?

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.

Speak Directly to our Expert Today

Reliable

Reliable

Affordable

Affordable

Assurity

Assured