Copyright Registration Process - Documents and Fees

Updated on June 19, 2025 02:53:20 PM

Copyright registration is an important process through which creators can protect and gain legal recognition for their works. By doing so, this process not only safeguards the intellectual property of authors but also provides them with exclusive control over their content. This helps protect the author’s work and gives them full control over how it is used, shared, changed, or copied. This allows creators to receive fair payment whenever their work is used or shared through licenses or royalties. By obtaining copyright registration, creators get an official proof of ownership, which makes it easier to defend their work if someone uses it without permission. Below is the detailed process of copyright registration in India, covering the different types of works that can be registered, the necessary documents, and why creative efforts need protection.

Copyright Registration Certificate

Copyright registration

What is Copyright?

Copyright is a legal right that grants creators exclusive control over their original works, including literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic creations. It allows them to reproduce, distribute, and monetize their work while preventing unauthorized use. Copyright is granted for a limited period, after which the work enters the public domain. This protection ensures that creators receive recognition and financial benefits for their efforts, encouraging innovation and creativity. By protecting creative works, copyright ensures that creators can control how their work is used and get credit for their efforts, encouraging more innovation and artistic creativity.

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Benefits of Copyright Registration

Copyright registration offers several important benefits to creators and owners of creative works. Here are some key advantages:

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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.
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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)
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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.

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Conclusion

Copyright registration is an important process that protects creators’ rights by officially recognizing their ownership. This makes it easier to defend their work and stop others from using it without permission. Registering a copyright offers benefits like legal protection, proof of ownership, and potential financial rewards. You no longer have to wait to register your copyright. Consult our team of experts, and we will guide you through every step of the process, from filling out the application to handling payments and ensuring everything is reviewed and approved smoothly. Fees vary based on the type of work. Overall, copyright registration helps prevent misuse, encourages creativity, and supports the creation of original work.

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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.

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