At a glance
| Governing law | Copyright Act, 1957 and Copyright Rules, 2013 |
|---|---|
| Application | Form XIV with Statement of Particulars, filed online at copyright.gov.in |
| Official fee | From ₹500 per work for literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works; higher for films and sound recordings |
| Mandatory waiting period | 30 days for objections after filing |
| Term | Lifetime of the author plus 60 years for most works |
| Registration | Optional, but strong evidence of ownership in disputes |
Works protected by copyright
- Literary works, including books, articles, blogs, website content and computer programmes
- Artistic works, including paintings, illustrations, logos, photographs and architecture
- Musical works and lyrics
- Dramatic works and screenplays
- Cinematograph films and sound recordings
Copyright protects the expression, not the idea. A logo can be registered both as an artistic work under copyright and as a trademark, and the two protections work together.
Our copyright services
Registration
Classification of the work, Form XIV and Statement of Particulars, and filing with supporting documents.
Software copyright
Registration of source code as a literary work, with guidance on protecting confidential code in the deposit.
Objections and hearings
Replies to discrepancy letters and representation at hearings before the Registrar of Copyrights.
No-objection certificates
NOCs from authors, artists or the Trade Marks Registry where the work is used on goods.
Assignment and licensing
Assignment deeds and licences that comply with Sections 18 and 19, including royalty terms.
Takedowns and enforcement
Notices to platforms and infringers, and civil or criminal action where needed.
Copyright registration process
Classify the work
Identify the category and confirm authorship and ownership, including employment or commissioning terms.
File Form XIV
File online with the Statement of Particulars, copies of the work and the fee. You receive a diary number.
30-day waiting period
Anyone may object within 30 days. If someone objects, both sides are heard.
Scrutiny
The examiner reviews the application and may raise discrepancies, which must be answered.
Registration
Once cleared, the work is entered in the Register of Copyrights and the extract (certificate) is issued.
Frequently asked questions
Is copyright registration mandatory in India?
No. Copyright exists from the moment an original work is created. Registration is optional, but the certificate is valuable evidence of ownership and makes enforcement much easier.
How long does copyright registration take?
Straightforward applications typically take 2 to 6 months after the 30-day waiting period. Discrepancy letters or objections can lengthen it.
Can I register copyright for my software or app?
Yes. Computer programmes are literary works under the Act. You file source code (portions can be redacted to protect trade secrets) along with Form XIV.
Should I register my logo under copyright or trademark?
Both, where possible. Copyright protects the artwork itself, while a trademark protects the logo as a badge of origin for your goods or services. For logos used on goods, a search certificate from the Trade Marks Registry is usually needed.
Who owns copyright in work made by an employee or freelancer?
Work made by an employee in the course of employment generally belongs to the employer. Work by a freelancer belongs to the freelancer unless there is a written assignment, so always put assignments in writing.
How long does copyright last in India?
For literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, it lasts for the author's lifetime plus 60 years. For films, sound recordings and some other works, it lasts 60 years from publication.
Talk to Inovatree about copyright registration
Inovatree Consultants LLP works from Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Kolkata with clients across India. Learn more about the firm on inovatree.in:
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Last reviewed 24 October 2026. This guide summarises the law in general terms. Every matter turns on its own facts, so take advice before acting.