Copyright Registration

Overview

Copyright exists the moment you create — registration proves it

Copyright protection technically begins the moment an original work is created, but registration under the Copyright Act 1957 creates an official public record of your authorship and ownership date. That record becomes invaluable evidence if anyone ever copies your work or disputes who created it first.

Lasts a lifetime, and beyond

For most works, copyright protection runs for the author's lifetime plus 60 years — among the longest terms of any IP right.

Strong evidence in disputes

A registration certificate is powerful, near-conclusive proof of authorship and ownership date if your work is ever copied or contested.

Covers a wide range of work

Literary, artistic, musical, and software works are all eligible — we identify the right category and file accordingly.

Try it now

See your estimated tax in seconds

A quick estimate to get you started — for a precise number tailored to your situation, book a consultation

Tax regime

Annual income (₹)

₹

₹0₹25L₹50L+

Estimated tax payable

₹ 97,500

Effective rate 6.5% · new regime on ₹15,00,000

Taxable income₹ 14,25,000

Tax as per slabs₹ 93,750

Health & education cess (4%)+₹ 3,750

The New Regime saves you ₹ 1,59,900 compared to the Old Regime.

Illustrative estimate for FY 2025-26 — assumes salaried income eligible for the standard deduction, and includes the Section 87A rebate and 4% cess. Surcharge is applied at a flat rate without its own marginal relief. Does not account for other deductions or individual circumstances. Book a consultation for an exact figure.

Simple, from start to finish

How it works

Work classification

We identify the correct category — literary, artistic, musical, or software — and confirm eligibility for registration.

Application preparation

Form XIV is prepared with details of the work, authorship, and ownership.

Filing with the Copyright Office

The application is filed online with the Copyright Office along with the required copies and fee.

Examination & registration

We track the mandatory waiting period and respond to any objections until the certificate is issued.

Application filed within 5–10 days; registration process with the Copyright Office typically takes several months

Questions

Frequently asked

01How long does copyright protection last?

For most original works, it lasts the lifetime of the author plus 60 years after their death. For works like photographs, films, and government works, the term is 60 years from publication instead.

02Do I need to register my work for copyright to apply?

No — copyright exists automatically the moment an original work is created and fixed in a tangible form. Registration isn't mandatory, but it gives you an official, dated public record that's far easier to rely on in a dispute.

03What's the difference between copyright and trademark?

Copyright protects original creative works — writing, art, music, software code. Trademark protects brand identifiers — names, logos, slogans used to distinguish goods or services. A logo can actually carry both: copyright in the artwork, trademark in its use as a brand mark.

04Can I register software under copyright?

Yes — source code and object code are protected as 'literary work' under the Copyright Act, and registration is common practice for software companies protecting their codebase.

05Why book a consultation instead of filing this myself?

Choosing the wrong work category, missing a required NOC from a co-author, or filing incomplete ownership declarations are the most common reasons applications sit in objections for months. Getting the category and paperwork right the first time is what keeps the registration moving.

You might also need