Prima Facie Evidence of Ownership
Registration under Section 45 creates prima facie evidence in Indian courts. Without it, you must prove ownership through drafts, timestamps and witnesses.
COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION
Copyright Registration Registration
Register your original work under the Copyright Act, 1957. Form XIV e-filing on copyright.gov.in, 30-day objection monitoring and certificate in 2–3 months . (includes govt fee for 1 literary/artistic work). Lifetime of the author + 60 years. Protection in 181 Berne Convention countries.
2–3 MonthsCertificate (no objection)
DedicatedExpert Assistance
181Countries (Berne)
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SAMPLE
Copyright Registration Certificate
Copyright Office of India — sample certificate of copyright
Illustrative sample. Your official certificate is issued after approval.
01
Section 45 Registration
Optional but creates prima facie evidence of ownership under the Copyright Act, 1957
02
Form XIV
Filed online on copyright.gov.in under Rule 70 of the Copyright Rules, 2013
03
Author’s Life + 60 Years
Standard term for literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works (60 years from publication for films & sound)
04
30-Day Objection Window
Mandatory waiting period after filing before the Copyright Office examines the application
OVERVIEW
What is Copyright Registration?
Copyright registration is the legal process of recording ownership of an original creative work with the Copyright Office under Section 45 of the Copyright Act, 1957. It provides prima facie evidence of ownership and strengthens civil and criminal enforcement against infringement.
Under Section 13, copyright protection arises automatically when an original work is created in tangible form. Registration is not mandatory, but it creates a public record that Indian courts treat as prima facie proof of ownership. Applications are filed using Form XIV through the e-filing portal at copyright.gov.in. India’s membership in the Berne Convention extends protection to 181 countries without separate filings in each country.
Governing Law
Copyright Act, 1957 (as amended)
Rules
Copyright Rules, 2013
Form
Form XIV (Rule 70)
Portal
copyright.gov.in
TYPES OF WORKS
Works Protected Under Section 13
| Category | Examples | Duration | Govt Fee (indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literary Works | Books, articles, software, databases, compilations | Author’s life + 60 years | ₹500 |
| Dramatic Works | Scripts, screenplays, choreography | Author’s life + 60 years | ₹500 |
| Musical Works | Compositions, melodies (not lyrics) | Author’s life + 60 years | ₹500 |
| Artistic Works | Paintings, photographs, sculptures, architecture, drawings | Author’s life + 60 years | ₹500 |
| Cinematograph Films | Movies, documentaries, web series | 60 years from publication | ₹5,000 |
| Sound Recordings | Songs, podcasts, audiobooks, ringtones | 60 years from publication | ₹2,000 |
Software tip:
Software is treated as a literary work. Submit the first 10 and last 10 pages of source code in PDF. For algorithmic protection, consider combining with patent registration where eligible.
KEY BENEFITS
Why Register Your Copyright?
Licensing & Monetisation
A registered copyright can be licensed exclusively or non-exclusively under Section 30. Earn royalties while retaining ownership.
Protection in 181 Countries
Berne Convention membership means your Indian registration supports protection in 181 member countries without separate local filings.
Civil & Criminal Remedies
Stronger standing for injunctions, damages (Section 55) and criminal action under Section 63 against infringers.
Deterrent Effect
A public registration deters potential infringers who can see that ownership is formally recorded with the Copyright Office.
Long Term of Protection
Author’s lifetime + 60 years for most works; 60 years from publication for films and sound recordings — one of the longest IP terms.
PROCESS
8-Step Copyright Registration Process
1. Identify Work Type
Classify the work under Section 13 (literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, cinematograph film or sound recording). Confirm originality and tangible form.
2. Title / Prior Search (Optional)
Search the Copyright Office records if relevant to avoid conflict or duplicate claims. Not mandatory but useful for published works.
3. Prepare Form XIV
Complete Form XIV under Rule 70 with title, nature of work, author and applicant details, year of creation/publication and Statement of Particulars.
4. E-File & Pay Fee
File online on copyright.gov.in, upload copies of the work in the prescribed format and pay the government fee (₹500–₹5,000 depending on work type).
5. Diary Number & 30-Day Wait
Receive a diary number. A mandatory 30-day objection period runs. Interested parties may file objections during this window.
6. Examination
The Copyright Office examines the application, documents and work. Queries or discrepancies may be raised for response.
7. Objection / Discrepancy Response
If an objection or discrepancy is raised, file a response within the prescribed time with supporting documents or clarifications.
8. Registration Certificate
On acceptance, the work is entered in the Register of Copyrights and a registration certificate is issued. Typical timeline: 2–3 months if no objections.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
What you need for Copyright Registration
1. Copies of the Work
Literary: PDF; Artistic: JPEG/PDF; Sound: MP3; Software: first 10 + last 10 pages of source code; Film: digital copy or link. Clear and complete.
2. Identity Proof
PAN, Aadhaar or Passport of the applicant or authorised signatory.
3. Address Proof
Utility bill, bank statement or Aadhaar matching the application address.
4. Statement of Particulars
Description of the work, purpose, creation details and first publication (if any) as required in Form XIV.
5. Power of Attorney (if via agent)
Notarised Power of Attorney / Vakalatnama when filing through an advocate or agent.
6. NOC / Other (if applicable)
NOC from publisher, co-authors or employer if the work is published or created under employment, as relevant.
GOVERNMENT FEES
Copyright Fee Structure (Indicative)
| Work Category | Government Fee (per work) |
|---|---|
| Literary Work (general) | ₹500 |
| Dramatic Work | ₹500 |
| Musical Work | ₹500 |
| Artistic Work | ₹500 |
| Literary/Artistic (used with goods/services) | ₹2,000 |
| Sound Recording | ₹2,000 |
| Cinematograph Film | ₹5,000 |
Fees are as per Copyright Rules, 2013 and may be confirmed at filing. Our package Our transparent packages include document drafting, portal e-filing, and dedicated support.
COMPARISON
Copyright vs Trademark vs Patent
| Aspect | Copyright | Trademark | Patent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protects | Original creative works (expression) | Brand identifiers (name, logo, mark) | Inventions (product/process) |
| Arises | Automatically on creation | On registration (or use for common law) | On grant after examination |
| Term | Life + 60 years (most works) | 10 years, renewable indefinitely | 20 years from filing |
| Form / Portal | Form XIV · copyright.gov.in | Form TM-A · ipindiaonline.gov.in | Form 1 · ipindiaonline.gov.in |
| Govt fee (typical) | ₹500–₹5,000 per work | ₹4,500–₹9,000 per class | Higher; depends on entity & type |
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Corporate Mart for Copyright Registration?
Correct Work Classification
We classify your work under the right Section 13 category so the correct fee and document format are used from the start.
Form XIV & Portal Filing
Complete Form XIV preparation and e-filing on copyright.gov.in with diary number tracking through the 30-day objection window.
Objection & Discrepancy Support
If an objection or query is raised, we help prepare and file the response so the application stays on track toward the certificate.
Certificate Delivery
We follow through to registration and deliver the digital certificate so you have formal proof of ownership for enforcement and licensing.
Classify → Form XIV → E-File → 30-Day Wait → Exam → Certificate
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Copyright arises automatically when an original work is created in tangible form. Registration under Section 45 is optional but provides prima facie evidence of ownership and strengthens enforcement.
Form XIV is the prescribed application form under Rule 70 of the Copyright Rules, 2013 for registering a copyright with the Copyright Office. It is filed online at copyright.gov.in.
Typically 2–3 months from filing to certificate when there are no objections. The mandatory 30-day objection period is part of the minimum timeline. With objections, it can take 6–12 months.
For literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works: author’s lifetime + 60 years. For cinematograph films and sound recordings: 60 years from the year of publication.
Yes. Software is treated as a literary work. Register by filing Form XIV and submitting the first 10 and last 10 pages of source code (or as prescribed). Fee is typically ₹500 for the literary work category.
India is a member of the Berne Convention. Copyright protection for works originating in India is recognised in the 181 Berne member countries without the need for separate registration in each country (subject to local laws).
After filing, a mandatory 30-day waiting period applies. Interested parties can file objections. After this period (and resolution of any objections), the Copyright Office proceeds with examination.
₹500 for literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works (general); ₹2,000 for sound recordings and certain literary/artistic works used with goods/services; ₹5,000 for cinematograph films. Exact fee depends on the work category under the Copyright Rules, 2013.
