Copyrights in India

Protecting creative expressions across art, literature, and digital media.

What Is Copyright?

Copyright is a form of intellectual property that gives creators exclusive rights over their original works of authorship. These works can include literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic creations, as well as films, software, photography, and architectural designs.

It protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself — meaning once an idea is written, recorded, or otherwise fixed in a tangible form, it becomes eligible for copyright protection.

In simple terms, copyright ensures that only the creator (or those authorized by them) can reproduce, distribute, perform, display, or modify the work. It helps encourage creativity and innovation by ensuring creators are rewarded and recognized for their efforts.

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Who Needs Copyright Protection?

Authors, artists, musicians, filmmakers, architects, designers, coders, composers, and production houses.

✅ If you create — you need protection.

Key Features of Copyright

  • Grants creators the right to control use of their original work
  • Applies to literary, artistic, musical, film, and digital works
  • Treated as a negative right – allows creators to prevent unauthorized use
  • Offers exclusive commercial rights to the author

Why Copyright Matters

Without copyright, your original work can be copied, pirated, or sold without consent — affecting your income and ownership rights.

Duration of Copyright

  • Lifetime of the author + 60 years (in most cases)
  • Can be licensed, assigned, or transferred for value

Registration: Is It Mandatory?

✅ Registration acts as legal proof of ownership in court cases or disputes.

Register Now

"Requirements for Copyright Application"

Subheading: Everything you need to prepare and submit your copyright registration.

Applicant’s Particulars

Corporate Entities

"Clear Specimen of the Work"

Electronic Form

PDF
image
video

Physical Form

Printed
tangible media

Copyright Particulars
  • Form IV
  • Statement of Particulars (in triplicate)
  • Statement of Further Particulars (in triplicate)
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC)
  • Copyright Notice
  • Copy of the Work (3 sets)
  • Certificate of Posting
  • Power of Attorney

Power of Attorney

Must be notarized and submitted with your application if filed by a representative.