Trademark & Copyright
e-Filing of copyright registration in India
With the help of a copyright expert from CertifyKaro, protect your creative work today before it's too late. 100% online process.
- 100% online process
- Dedicated copyright expert
Need help with Copyright Registration?
Fill the form to get a free consultation.
What is copyright registration?
Copyright is the process of safeguarding any form of intellectual or artistic creation from illegal imitation or usage. Grounded on the Copyright Act, 1957, the creators/producers of any original works like literature, music, cinematography and sound records can look after their intellectual properties.
Following the latest amendment, computer-related programming, content and databases can also be protected by obtaining copyright registration. Registration under the Copyright Act gives both economic and ethical rights to the original creator.
The six parts of the Register of Copyrights
- Part A — Literary works other than computer programs
- Part B — Musical works
- Part C — Artistic works
- Part D — Cinematography films
- Part E — Sound recording
- Part F — Computer programs, tables & compilations
Works we register
- Cinematography film
- Sound recording
- Musical work & sound recording
- Artistic work like paintings, photographs
- Original literary and other works
- Books
- Computer programs
- Website
- Broadcasts on radio and television
- Published editions
- Databases
- Advertisements
Benefits of copyright registration
- Legal protection
- Branding or goodwill
- Protection after the creator's death
- Prima facie evidence of ownership
- Owner publicity
- Restricts unauthorized reproduction
- Creation of asset
- Public record
- Establishes credibility in the market
- Global protection
What you need to register
- Basic details of the creator
To register under the Copyright Act, some basic details of the creator like name, address & nationality are mandatory.
- Power of Attorney
The candidate must sign the power of attorney if registering copyright through an advocate or legal firm.
- Submission of the work sample
A candidate registering for copyright should submit the work in soft copy format in JPEG, JPG, or GIF format. Copyright registration for computer programs and databases may require CDs or DVDs of that particular program.
- Trademark search certificate for artistic work
For copyright registration of any artistic work, the applicant must get a clear copyright search certificate from the trademark office on a prior basis.
Documents required for copyright registration
- Name, address & nationality of the candidate – ID proof
- NOC from the publisher if the work is published and the publisher is different from the applicant
- Search Certificate from Trade Mark Office (TM‑60), if any
- NOC from a person whose photograph appears on the work
- Power of Attorney
- Two copies of the work
- KYC of the author
- DD/IPO fee as applicable per work
- NOC from the author if the candidate is different from the author
Copyright vs trademark vs patent
| Basis | Copyright | Trademark | Patent |
|---|---|---|---|
Meaning | Legal security for the creator/producer of original artwork such as literature, music composition, sound recording, cinematography, or computer programs. Ensures economic & ethical authority of the creator. | Legally preserves any particular word, symbol, or design that makes a business entity distinctive among its competitors. | Intellectual property right that guards the invention of any inventor for a limited period. Through a patent, the inventor/owner can legally exclude others from reproducing, using, or selling the invention. |
Protection is given for | Original artistic works like written text, composed music, recorded sounds, paintings, choreography, motion pictures, cinematography, computer programming & databases etc. | Any word, logo, color, font, design that differentiates products; the identity of any particular party from others. | Features of shape, configuration, pattern, and ornament; the form of lines, color or blend applied to each article. |
Significance | Expression of ideas | Identification of brand | Invention |
Governed by | Indian Copyright Act, 1957 | Trade Marks Act, 1999 | Indian Patent Act, 1970 |
Requirements of registration | The work must be original, creative and capable of being fixed in a tangible form. | The mark needs to be unique. | The design needs to be original and must be applied to the article by an industrial process. |
Exclusions | Others are not permitted to copy the work without the permission of the creator. | Stop others from using the same logo/symbol. | Stop others from using the invention without permission. |
Validity term | 60 years | 10 years | 20 years |
Rights provided | Right to be the owner of the original artwork; excludes others from illegal copying, distributing and reproducing the copyrighted work. | Rights to apply the mark, design, color, font and stop every illegal usage of the same by any third person. | Right to stop others from producing, selling or using any imitation of the patented invention. |
How we work
From your first call to the final certificate, one dedicated expert handles your file.
Fill the form & make the payment
Call from a dedicated copyright expert
Experts receive your concept details & necessary documents
Copyright experts file your copyright application
Congratulations! Your copyright is successfully applied
How your application moves
Copyright Registration
- Fill the form & make the payment
- Call from a dedicated copyright expert
- Experts receive your concept details & necessary documents
- Copyright experts file your copyright application
- Congratulations! Your copyright is successfully applied
Frequently asked questions
What is copyright?
Copyright is a legal right that protects original works of authorship, such as literature, music, films, software, and art.
What can be copyrighted?
Original literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works, sound recordings, films, and computer programs.
Can I apply for copyright of ideas or mathematical concepts?
No. Copyright protects the expression of ideas, not the ideas or concepts themselves.
Can I copyright my website?
Yes. You can protect the text, images, code, and original design elements of your website.
Who can apply for copyright registration?
The author/creator, the owner of rights, or an authorized agent can apply.
What is a Copyright Diary Number?
A unique reference number assigned to your application on filing.
Explain the process of copyright registration.
Filing the application, allotment of diary number, examination, objection/opposition (if any), and issuance of registration certificate.
Can software or a computer programme be registered?
Yes. Source code and object code can be protected as literary work.
How can I get copyright registration for my website?
Compile your content, code, and design materials and file an application under the appropriate category with supporting documents.
What is the term of protection of copyright?
Generally the author's lifetime plus 60 years (varies by type of work).
Do I need to be physically present for the process?
Most steps can be completed online via an authorized agent; physical presence is rarely required.
Get your Copyright Registration done by experts
100% refund if the application is not filed within the committed timeline.