Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram

Protect your creative work with official Copyright Registration.

Ensure your creative work is legally protected with official copyright registration. Safeguard your rights and prevent unauthorized use.

Get Started!

Lead Form

Our Expert will call you.

  • Overview
  • Importance
  • Process
  • Symbol
  • Types
  • Legal Rights
  • Documents
  • Fees

Copyright Registration in India

Copyright registration is a crucial legal process that grants creators exclusive rights over their original works, enabling them to control reproduction, distribution, public display, and adaptation. It applies to various forms of creative expression, including literary, artistic, and musical works, as well as dramatic compositions, computer programs, sound recordings, cinematograph films, and software.

What is Copyright?

Copyright is a legal right granted to the creators of original literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, including books, films, paintings, computer programs, and sound recordings. As a branch of intellectual property law, it provides creators with exclusive control over how their work is used.

It safeguards the expression of ideas and information but does not extend protection to the ideas, facts, systems, or methods themselves—only the specific way they are expressed.

Importance of Copyright Registration !

Copyright registration safeguards the expression of ideas and information while excluding protection for the ideas, facts, systems, or methods themselves—only their specific expression is protected.

Initiating a Copyright Application

  • To initiate a copyright application, creators or their authorized representatives must submit Form XIV, accompanied by a Statement of Particulars and, if applicable, a Power of Attorney. Additional documentation, such as proof of nationality and copies of the work (including the source code for software), helps establish ownership. Once the prescribed fee is paid, the application enters the Copyright Registration Process.

Legal Advantages of Copyright Registration

  • Regardless of whether the work is published or unpublished, copyright registration provides significant legal advantages, including establishing a public record of ownership. In cases of infringement, a registered copyright serves as prima facie evidence in court, simplifying the enforcement of intellectual property rights. Additionally, a Copyright Registration Certificate enables copyright holders to claim statutory damages and pursue legal remedies against unauthorized use.

Copyright Protection Under Indian Law

  • For creators across India, including those in New Delhi, the Indian Copyright Act aligns with international frameworks such as the Berne Convention, ensuring global recognition of copyright protection. Under Indian law, similar to the U.S. Copyright Office, copyright protection extends for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years, preserving the creator’s rights and commercial interests over time.

Online and Offline Registration Methods

  • Applicants can file their Copyright Application online through the official Online Copyright Registration portal or via traditional methods, each with a specific waiting period. The online registration system offers a streamlined process, while the offline method requires submitting documentation in person or by mail to the Register of Copyrights.

Special Considerations for Multiple Stakeholders and Commercial Works

  • In cases involving multiple stakeholders, additional steps such as filing a separate application or obtaining an objection certificate may be required. For commercial works, including motion pictures, cinematographic films, and derivative works, copyright registration is invaluable for safeguarding brand identity and economic potential.

Copyright Rules and Protection Against Unauthorized Use

  • The Copyright Rules under Rule 70 outline procedural requirements, and both published and unpublished works can benefit from this protection. Registering a copyright ensures that creators retain control over their intellectual property, preventing unauthorized use or entry into the public domain.

Tax Vision Services – Your Copyright Registration Partner

  • Tax Vision Services simplifies the entire Copyright Registration Process by providing expert guidance and end-to-end assistance. From filing the Copyright Application on the official website to ensuring that the requisite fee and documentation—such as Form XIV, Statement of Particulars, and Power of Attorney—are properly completed, Tax Vision Services streamlines the journey. In case of objections from the Register of Copyrights, Tax Vision Services supports applicants in preparing strong responses to address any issues efficiently.

Legal Protection and Enforcement Against Infringement

  • Additionally, Tax Vision Services offers legal protection strategies for creators facing copyright infringement. Their legal team provides guidance on asserting exclusive rights, filing infringement claims, and seeking statutory damages in court. With expertise in both Indian copyright law and international copyright agreements like the Berne Convention, Tax Vision Services helps creators secure, protect, and fully monetize their intellectual property on a global scale.

Overview of the Copyright Registration Process in India!

The copyright registration process in India consists of multiple steps, with the Copyright Office overseeing the formalization of ownership under Indian copyright law. The key steps are as follows:

Step 1. Application Submission

  • Fill out Form IV and submit it along with the Statement of Particulars and Statement of Further Particulars, providing details about the work.

Step 2. Fee Payment

  • Pay the applicable fee based on the category of the work, such as literary, artistic, software, or other creative content.

Step 3. Issuance of Diary Number

  • Upon submission, the application is assigned a Diary Number, serving as an official acknowledgment of receipt.

Step 4. Address Potential Objections

  • If no objections arise within the 30-day period, the application undergoes scrutiny for discrepancies. If objections are raised, both parties are notified, and a hearing is scheduled to resolve the issues.

Step 5. Receive the Registration Certificate

  • Upon successful scrutiny and resolution of any objections, the registrar will proceed with the registration and provide an extract for entry into the Register of Copyrights.

The official fees for copyright registration vary based on the type of work.

S.No.DescriptionFee
1Literary, Dramatic, Musical, or Artistic WorkINR 500 per work.
2Literary or Artistic Work Used in Relation to Goods/ServicesINR 2,000 per work.
3Cinematograph FilmINR 5,000 per work.
4Sound RecordingINR 2,000 per work.

By following these steps, you can secure legal recognition of your creative works in India, ensuring protection against unauthorized use or infringement.

80G & 12A Registrations

In India, non-profit organizations such as trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies can obtain tax exemptions and benefits by registering under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Section 12A Registration

Registration under Section 12A grants non-profit organizations exemption from paying income tax on their surplus income. This allows the organization to utilize more funds for its charitable activities.

Section 80G Registration

Registration under Section 80G enables donors to claim tax deductions on their donations to the organization, making contributions more attractive and potentially increasing fundraising opportunities.

Eligibility for copyright registration

Charitable trusts, registered societies, Section 8 companies, religious organizations, educational institutions, and medical institutions are eligible to apply for 12A and 80G registrations.

Benefits Of Copyright Registration

12A Registration

Provides tax exemptions to NGOs on their income, allowing them to allocate more funds to their charitable activities and enhancing their credibility.

80G Registration

Allows donors to claim tax deductions on their donations, encouraging more contributions and boosting the fundraising potential of NGOs.

Documents required for copyright registration in india!

  • Trust Deed/Society Registration Certificate/Section 8 Company Certificate.
  • Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (for Section 8 companies).
  • PAN card of the organization.
  • Bank account statement of the organization.
  • Audited accounts of the organization for the last three years.
  • List of trustees/members/directors of the organization.
  • List of activities carried out by the organization

Registration Process!

Step 1. Formation and Registration

  • Establish the NGO by choosing an appropriate legal structure (trust, society, or Section 8 company) and register it with the relevant authority.

Step 2. Document Collection

  • Gather all necessary documents as listed above.

Step 3. Application Preparation

  • Fill out Form 10A for both 12A and 80G registrations.

Step 4. Application Submission

  • Submit the completed Form 10A along with the required documents to the Income Tax Department.

Step 5. Verification and Approval

  • The Income Tax Department will review the application and may request additional information or clarification. Upon satisfactory verification, the department will grant the registration.

Validity and Renewal

Initially, organizations receive provisional registration valid for three years. To extend this provisional status, organizations must apply for renewal either six months prior to the expiration date or within six months from the start of their operations, whichever comes first. Once renewed, the registrations are valid for a subsequent period of five years. This cycle repeats every five years to continue enjoying the benefits.

By obtaining 12A and 80G registrations, non-profit organizations can benefit from tax exemptions and provide incentives to donors, thereby enhancing their capacity to serve their charitable purposes.