Copyright Registration for Artistic Work - Procedure, Documents and Fees

Updated on December 13, 2024 12:48:09 PM

Getting a copyright is important for artists to legally safeguard their creative works since everyone in the world is coming up with unique work to make in the competitive market. Not only does this process protect the ability of the artist to guarantee that they only remain the sole lawful users of their work but also enhances the capacity of the artist to act against unlawful use or infringement. Instead, by registering one’s work, artists can create clear evidence of the ownership right, stall others from exploiting the work, and have rights to a number of legal and commercial benefits, such as selling licenses or receiving royalties, among others. The following guide analyses the registration of copyright in artistic works, including definitions, prerequisites for registration and benefits of registration, forms and steps involved.

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 Copyright Registration for Artistic Work

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

pu seperater

Copyright Registration Process for Artistic Work

The process for registering a copyright varies by country but generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Application Filing

  • Submission Method: There are usually facilities to apply online through the official website of the given copyright office and otherwise.
  • Required Information: The applicant must provide a description of the work in details. Complete the form, providing information about your work (title of work, type of work, etc.).

Step 2: Waiting Period

  • After submission, there is a period of time, usually 30 days, during which any objections may be made by interested parties. In case no adverse responses are generated, then the application goes to examination.

Step 3: Examination of Application

  • After this, the copyright office looks at the application for compliance. There might be concerns given to which both parties can be notified and a possibility to schedule a hearing for the purpose of addressing these concerns.

Step 4: Issuance of Registration Certificate

  • Once the application for registration is granted and all are addressed, the copyright office will provide a certificate of registration.
pu seperater

Documents Required for Copyright Registration of Artistic Work

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

  1. Completed Application Form
  2. Power of Attorney (if applicable)
  3. No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from:
    • Collaborators
    • Publishers
    • Individuals featured in the artwork
  4. Search Certificate from the Trademark Registry (if applicable)
  5. Affidavit declaring non-registration under Designs Act (if applicable)
  6. Two original identical copies of the artwork (three if published)
  7. Details of prior work (if applicable)
pu seperater

Fees for Copyright Registration of Artistic Work

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

The registration of artistic works for protection of an artist’s work is therefore an important way of protecting an artist’s work. It provides a holder with the permission to copy, sell or make any changes to a work while, at the same time, providing for legal recourse to prevent anyone else from doing the same. These are legal records, and they provide proof of ownership and can be sold by artists or their heirs and associates by licensing or royalty. The process may be seen as highly structured, but it is rather easy with all the documentation and guidelines available. Due to protection of the copyrights, artists concentrate themselves on creation, and they have a true assurance that their creations are protected both legally and in the markets as well.

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 for Artistic work?

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 for Artistic work 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