Copyright Registration: Complete Guide, Process & Pricing

Register your original literary, artistic, musical or software work to establish clear legal ownership and evidence in case of infringement.

Why this matters

Strong legal evidence. A registration certificate is powerful proof of ownership in any dispute.

Covers a wide range of work. Books, music, art, films and software code are all eligible.

Long-lasting protection. Copyright typically lasts for the author's lifetime plus 60 years.

Who this applies to

• The applicant must be the original creator or an authorised assignee
• Work must be original and fixed in a tangible form
• Applies to literary, dramatic, musical, artistic and software works

What you'll need to get started

• Copy or sample of the work being registered
• Identity proof of the applicant/author
• NOC from co-authors or publishers, if applicable
• Details of the work's first publication, if published

How the process works

1. Search & assessment. We check availability and assess your application.

2. Application filed. Your application is submitted to the relevant IP office.

3. Examination. The examiner reviews your application and may raise queries.

4. Registration granted. Once cleared, your registration certificate is issued.

What it costs

Filing and follow-up for a single work. Pricing starts from ₹2,499. Government fee: at actuals, billed separately.

Common questions

Do I need to register to have copyright?

No, copyright exists automatically on creation, but registration gives you strong documentary evidence of ownership and date.

How long does copyright registration take?

It typically takes 6 to 12 months due to the mandatory objection window and government processing.

Can software code be copyrighted?

Yes, source code is registrable as a literary work under Indian copyright law.