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Copyright Registration

Copyright registration for literary works, software code, artistic works, music, films — prima facie evidence of ownership for all content creators.

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Overview

Copyright is an automatic legal right that comes into existence the moment an original work is created and fixed in a tangible form — no registration is required. However, registration with the Copyright Office of India provides a public record and prima facie evidence of ownership that is critical in any infringement proceeding. Copyright registration under the Copyright Act, 1957 is administered by the Registrar of Copyrights under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Copyright protects original literary works (books, software code), artistic works (logos, paintings, photographs), musical works, dramatic works (scripts, screenplays), cinematograph films, and sound recordings. Protection period: author's lifetime + 60 years (literary/artistic/musical/dramatic); 60 years from publication (films, sound recordings). MFiling files copyright applications in Form XIV on the Copyright Office portal and tracks the 30-day waiting period for third-party objections.

Government fees: Rs.500/work (literary/software), Rs.2,000 (sound recordings), Rs.5,000 (films). MFiling professional charges: from Rs.3,999 per work.

Key Benefits

Prima Facie Evidence of Ownership in Court
Copyright certificate shifts the burden of proof to the infringer — significantly strengthens infringement cases.
Official Government Record of Authorship
Establishes authorship, ownership, and date of creation in a permanent government database.
Enables Criminal Proceedings
Supports criminal complaints under Sections 63–65 — imprisonment up to 3 years for wilful infringement.
Required for Publishing and Licensing Agreements
Publishers, streaming platforms, and licensees typically require copyright registration certificate.
International Protection via Berne Convention
Indian copyright registration recognised in 180+ Berne Convention countries automatically.
Covers Software Code and Websites
Software registered as literary work — protects source code, app UI/UX, and website content.

Documents Required

Application Form XIV on Copyright Office Portal (filed by MFiling)
Three Copies of the Work — Manuscript, Artwork, Code, Song Sheet
Identity Proof of Author / Rights Holder — Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport
Address Proof of the Author / Owner
NOC from Employer (if work created in course of employment)
Publication Details — Title, Publisher, Year (if already published)
Power of Attorney authorizing MFiling to file on behalf

How it Works

Identify the Work and Category (Day 1)

Determine the type of work — literary, artistic, musical, dramatic, film, or sound recording.

Create Account on Copyright Office Portal (Day 1)

Register on copyright.gov.in with applicant's email and contact details.

Fill Form XIV (Day 1–2)

Enter details of the work, author, year of creation, publication status, and ownership.

Upload Work Sample and Documents (Day 1–2)

Submit soft copy of the work along with identity proof, address, and NOC if applicable.

Pay Government Fee (Day 2)

Rs.500 (literary/software), Rs.2,000 (sound recordings), Rs.5,000 (films) per work.

30-Day Public Notice Period (30 days)

Copyright Office gives 30 days for any person to raise objection to the registration.

Objection Hearing (if raised) (If applicable)

If an objection is received, both parties are heard by the Registrar — MFiling represents you.

Copyright Registration Certificate Issued (3–6 months total)

Registrar enters work in the Copyright Register and issues Registration Certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a registered copyright prevent others from copying my work in other countries?
India is a signatory to the Berne Convention (180+ countries). Copyright created in India is automatically protected in all Berne Convention countries without local registration. The Indian registration certificate can be used as evidence of ownership in foreign proceedings, though enforcement procedures vary by country.
Can a company own copyright, or only individuals?
Yes, companies can own copyrights. When an employee creates a work in the course of employment, the employer is typically the first owner of copyright unless the contract specifies otherwise. For commissioned works, the commissioning party may be the owner if explicitly agreed. Copyright can also be assigned from the author to a company through a written assignment agreement.
Service Price
₹3,999
Starting price · GST extra
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Prima Facie Evidence of Ownership in Court
Copyright certificate shifts the burden of proof to the infringer — significantly strengthens infringement cases.
Official Government Record of Authorship
Establishes authorship, ownership, and date of creation in a permanent government database.
Enables Criminal Proceedings
Supports criminal complaints under Sections 63–65 — imprisonment up to 3 years for wilful infringement.
Required for Publishing and Licensing Agreements
Publishers, streaming platforms, and licensees typically require copyright registration certificate.
International Protection via Berne Convention
Indian copyright registration recognised in 180+ Berne Convention countries automatically.
Covers Software Code and Websites
Software registered as literary work — protects source code, app UI/UX, and website content.

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Service Price
₹3,999
Starting price · GST extra

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