Copyright
Copyright registration for literary, artistic, musical and software works, plus licensing and protection of creative work.
- Estimate Cost
- ₹3,000 – ₹20,000
- Typical duration
- 7 days
Service overview
Copyright gives creators the exclusive right to copy, publish, adapt, perform and sell their original work. It arises automatically when the work is created, but registration with the Copyright Office gives prima facie evidence of ownership that is valuable in licensing and enforcement.
WCP professionals prepare and file the application, respond to objections and discrepancies, and advise on ownership, licensing and enforcement.
Who needs it? / When is it needed?
- Authors, artists, photographers, musicians and filmmakers
- Software developers and companies protecting source code
- Businesses commissioning content, designs or code who need ownership documented
- Creators preparing to license or sell their work
What to expect from the WCP Professionals
- Check of originality, authorship and ownership of the work
- Preparation of the application in Form XIV with the statement of particulars
- No-objection certificates from the author, publisher or persons depicted, where needed
- Online filing with the Copyright Office and tracking through the objection period and examination
- Replies to discrepancy letters and objections, and representation at any hearing
Key deliverables
- Filed copyright application with diary number
- Replies to discrepancy letters, where raised
- Copyright registration certificate (extract of the Register of Copyrights)
- Advice on licensing and assignment
Standard turnaround time
- Filing: 3–7 working days after the work and details are received
- A mandatory 30-day period follows for objections
- Registration typically takes a few months if unopposed, and longer if an objection or discrepancy is raised
Government fees, timelines & key outcomes
The Copyright Office fee depends on the type of work — for example ₹500 per literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work, ₹500 for computer software, ₹2,000 for a sound recording and ₹5,000 for a cinematograph film.
Key outcomes: a registration certificate that serves as prima facie evidence of ownership.
Forms & filings involved
- Form XIV — application for registration of copyright
- Statement of particulars and statement of further particulars, where applicable
- No-objection certificates from the author, publisher or persons depicted, where required
- Search certificate from the Trade Marks Registry for artistic works used as trademarks
Documents required
- Copies of the work, or source code extracts for software
- Details and identity proof of the author and applicant
- Assignment or employment documents where the applicant is not the author
- Power of attorney for the professional filing on your behalf
What we need from you
- The final version of the work
- A clear account of who created it and who owns it
- Details of any publication, licences or prior use
Important conditions
Copyright protects the original expression of an idea, not the idea itself.
Ownership must be clear — for commissioned work, a written assignment is needed, since copyright assignments must be in writing to be valid.
Additional information
Copyright in literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works generally lasts for the author's lifetime plus 60 years.
Use of copyright works is permitted without licence only within the fair-dealing exceptions of the Copyright Act, 1957.
The estimated cost covers indicative professional fees only. Government fees, stamp duty and taxes are payable at actuals.
How it works
- 1. Raise a service enquiry describing your requirement.
- 2. A Relationship Manager reviews it and opens it for bidding.
- 3. Pay into escrow and assign the professional you select.
- 4. Track progress to completion, then accept and release payment.
Frequently asked questions
Is copyright automatic in India?
Yes. Copyright arises on creation, but registration provides prima facie evidence of ownership.
What is the copyright registration fee?
It depends on the work — for example ₹500 per literary or artistic work or software, and more for films and sound recordings.
How long does copyright last?
For most works, the author's lifetime plus 60 years.
Can software be copyrighted?
Yes. Computer programs are protected as literary works under the Copyright Act.