Copyright Registration Process - Documents and Fees

Updated on February 21, 2025 12:23:55 PM

Copyright registration is a vital process through which creators can protect and gain legal recognition of their works. By so doing, this process will not only protect the property of authors but also provide authors with exclusive control over their work content, including how it is used, shared, alter or replicated. This way creatives guarantee themselves they can control use and exploitation of their content and at the same time receive compensation through licensing or royalties. Thus, gaining the copyright registration, the creators can create the public record of ownership and get a more powerful position in case of dispute. This guide elaborates the process of copyright registration in India on the basis of which type of work, what documents are needed, and why endeavours need protection

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

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

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:

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 Copyright Registration

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

  1. Application Form
  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)
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

Copyright registration is a major process for the purpose of ensuring that the creators of the copied material are safeguarded by law. This offers some parity protection by providing official acknowledgment of ownership, thus making the rights easier to assert and infringers to deter. This includes filling out an application form, making payments and then going through scrutiny and approval stages. The steps in the registration provide several advantages, including special privileges, legal doctrines, proof of ownership, and financial prospects. Work and services charges differ according to the official fee schedule depending on their nature and kind. Copyright registration helps protect the work against its misuse, thus encouraging innovation and providing the right background for any creation.

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

clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
clients logo
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