Copyright Registration

Copyright registration in India: software, content, logos, music and designs. Documents, process and what protection you get.

Get a quoteCall +91 92055 78216
ProtectionLife of author + 60 years
CoversSoftware, art, music, text
RegistrationOptional, strong proof
Idea or brand?Use a trademark

Copyright protects what you create: software code, website content, books, music, photographs, videos and artwork. Registration gives you strong proof of ownership.

Who it suits

Software developers and agencies, writers, designers, photographers, musicians, film makers, educators and course creators, and any business that produces original content.

What it protects

  • Literary works: books, articles, website text, software code and databases
  • Artistic works: logos, drawings, paintings and photographs
  • Music and sound recordings
  • Films and videos

Copyright protects how an idea is expressed, not the idea itself. A brand name or tagline is protected through a trademark, not copyright.

Why register

Copyright exists as soon as you create the work, but registration gives you an official record of ownership. It helps in a dispute, when you sell or licence the work, and when you take action against copying. The protection generally lasts for the life of the author and for sixty years after.

Documents needed

  • Applicant’s ID and address
  • Two copies of the work, or the source code extract for software
  • Details of the author, with a no-objection from the author if you are not the author
  • Date and place of first publication, if published
  • Title and a short description of the work
  • Power of attorney, which we prepare

Our process

  1. 1You send us the work and its details.
  2. 2We prepare the application for the right category of work.
  3. 3We file it with the Copyright Office and send you the diary number.
  4. 4There is a waiting period during which anyone can object. If there is none, the work goes to examination.
  5. 5The registration certificate is issued, and we send it to you.
With no objection, registration often takes a few months.

Common questions

Is registration compulsory?

No. The copyright exists once you create the work. Registration is optional but gives you clear proof.

Can I register software?

Yes. We file with a portion of the source code. The rest of the code can stay private.

Can I protect my logo with copyright?

Yes, as an artistic work. For stronger protection of the brand in business, also register it as a trademark.

Do you handle patents and designs?

Not at present. We can refer you to a registered patent agent for these.

Get a quote

General information, not professional advice. Tax rates, limits and due dates change, so we confirm the current position for your case before we file. Government fees are separate from our service charge and are quoted before work begins.