Copyright Registration in India
Your original work is protected by copyright from the moment of creation — but registration creates a public record, shifts the burden of proof and is essential for enforcement and licensing.
Register your copyright
Share your work details. We will advise on classification and file the application.
Talk to a CS →Copyright registration for all categories of original work
Software & Code
Source code registered as a literary work — essential for IT companies and SaaS products.
Artistic Works
Logos, illustrations, paintings, photographs and graphic designs registered as artistic works.
Literary Works
Books, articles, website content, training materials and manuals registered as literary works.
Music & Films
Songs, compositions, sound recordings and films registered with the Copyright Office.
Copyright Certificate
Official registration certificate from the Copyright Office obtained and filed.
Licensing & Assignment Advisory
Copyright licence and assignment agreements drafted for commercialising your work.
What copyright registration gives you in India
Automatic on Creation
Copyright arises automatically on creation of an original work — registration is not required for protection.
Registration Creates a Record
The copyright register is a public record of ownership — shifts the burden of proof in disputes.
Works Registrable
Literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works, cinematograph films, sound recordings and computer programmes.
Author is First Owner
The author of a work is the first owner — unless created in the course of employment or under a contract.
Term of Protection
Lifetime of the author plus 60 years for most works; 60 years from publication for anonymous works and films.
No Renewal Required
Copyright does not need to be renewed — it lasts for the full statutory term automatically.
Copyright registration is evidence, not a prerequisite. In India, copyright exists from creation without registration. However, the Copyright Office registration certificate is strong prima facie evidence of ownership in any infringement dispute — and is required by many courts before issuing an injunction.
Common mistakes in copyright registration
Simple steps, no surprises
Work classification
Correct category of work (literary, artistic, musical, software etc.) identified for your creation.
Application preparation
Application drafted with complete authorship details, publication information and work description.
Filing with Copyright Office
Application filed online/offline with the Copyright Office along with the deposit copy.
Certificate collection
Copyright registration certificate obtained from the Copyright Office and filed in your records.
Other services you may need
Frequently asked questions
No. Copyright protection arises automatically on creation of an original work. Registration is not required for protection but is highly recommended as it creates a public record and prima facie evidence of ownership.
Literary works (including software and computer programmes), dramatic works, musical works, artistic works, cinematograph films and sound recordings.
The Copyright Office typically processes applications within 30–45 days after the mandatory 30-day diary period for objections.
Yes. A company can be the owner of a copyright — typically where the work is created by an employee in the course of employment or commissioned under a contract.
Lifetime of the author plus 60 years for most works. For anonymous works, pseudonymous works, posthumous works, cinematograph films and sound recordings — 60 years from the year of publication.
Yes. Computer programmes (software) are classified as literary works under the Copyright Act, 1957 and can be registered with the Copyright Office.
Application form, details of the work, authorship information, publication details (if published) and a copy of the work to be deposited with the Copyright Office.
Create a public record of your copyright today
Share your work details and authorship information. We will classify, prepare and file your copyright registration.