Copyright Registration

On average, it takes 10-15 working days to file a copyright application. However, after application, the Copyright Office will process the copyright on its end and will examine whether your copyright qualifies for registration or not. It may take certain months of time for the completion of the registration process at the Copyright Office.

It generally takes about 8-12 months for copyright to get registered, the processing time at Copyright Office generally depends on many factors. If the copyright gets objected or opposed by someone, it may take a much longer time.

No, Copyright comes into existence as soon as a work is created, and no mandatory registration is required. However, the certificate of registration of copyright and the entries made in the register shall serve as prima facie evidence in a court of law with reference to disputes relating to ownership of copyright. Therefore, it is always advisable to copyright the work in India.

The general term of a copyright is 60 years. In the case of original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, the 60-year period is counted from the year following the death of the author. In the case of cinematograph films, sound recordings, photographs, posthumous publications, anonymous and pseudonymous publications, works of government and works of international organizations, the 60-year period is counted from the date of publication.

Copyright protects the rights of authors, i.e., creators of intellectual property in the form of literary, musical, dramatic and artistic works and cinematograph films and sound recordings.

Yes, both published and unpublished works can be registered under copyright.

Yes, Computer Software or programme can be registered as a ‘literary work’. ‘Source Code’ and “Object Code” have also to be supplied along with the application for registration of copyright for software products.

A website usually consists of different rudiments which may be copyrightable subject that falls within any one of the classes of works under the Copyright Act, 1957. The component parts of a website can be in different forms of digital files such as text, tables, computer programmes, compilations including computer databases (“literary works”); photographs, paintings, diagram, maps, charts, or plan (“artistic works”); works consisting of music and including graphical notation of such work (“musical works”); “sound recordings” and “cinematograph films”. The website as a whole is not subject to copyright protection.

An App is a complete, self-contained computer program that is designed to perform specific tasks. An App usually has primarily dynamic content and is designed for user interaction. It may be used directly or indirectly in a computer or hand-held electronic device. An App may be registered as a computer program under literary works, and the applicant is required to submit the source and object code.

It is important to note that the registration will cover any screen displays generated by that program, provided that the computer program (code) generating the screen display is submitted by the applicant. Mere snapshots of screen displays of an app are not eligible for copyright protection.

Yes, an opportunity of hearing is given to the applicant and concerned parties. However, only after hearing, it may be decided to register the work or to reject it.

Yes, the owner of a copyright may assign or transfer copyright to any person, either wholly or partially and either generally or subject to limitations.

A trademark is an intellectual property that is being assigned to a word, logo, device, etc. but on the other hand, copyright is assigned to protect your unique content such as books, music, videos, songs, or computer software.