Portal: copyright.gov.in Cost: ₹500–₹5,000 | Validity: Author’s life + 60 years

What Copyright Actually Is?

Copyright protects original expressions—your book, song, logo, film, photo, or code. It gives you exclusive rights to copy, sell, or adapt your work. India follows the Berne Convention—file once, get protection in 188 countries. No registration needed for protection, but registration = court-proof.

Practice: 30-Second Eligibility Test

Can copyright it?

✅ Book, song, logo, photo, film, app, script ❌ Idea, fact, name, slogan → YES? Start filing.

Step 1: Prepare Files

Theory: Copyright office needs clean, original work to verify. Practice (5 mins):

1. Work PDF → Delete your name/signature/watermark → Save as CleanWork.pdf

2. NOC (only if not author): “I, [Author], allow [You] to register [Title].” → Sign → Scan → NOC.pdf

3. ID → PAN/Aadhaar → ID.pdf

Step 2: Register & Fill Form XIV

Theory: Form XIV is the legal contract between you and the Copyright Office. Practice (7 mins):

1. Visit copyright.gov.in → New User → OTP login

2. e-Filing → Apply

   • Work type: Book = Literary | Logo = Artistic

   • Title, language, published? (Yes/No + date)

   • Author → Upload NOC if needed

3. Upload 3 files → e-Sign with Aadhaar OTP

4. Submit → Get Diary No. (e.g., 12345/2025-CO/L)

Diary No. = Legal proof from this second

Step 3: Pay Fee

Theory: Fee funds examination under Copyright Act, 1957. Practice (2 mins):

• Book/Logo/Code: ₹500

• Film: ₹5,000

• Song: ₹2,000 Pay via UPI → Done

Step 4: Speed Post

Theory: Physical copies allow official stamping (returned as proof). Practice (Within 30 days): Send to: Copyright Registry, 4th Floor, Jeevan Deep, Parliament St, New Delhi 110001

Pack:

• Signed Form XIV (print from portal)

• 2 printed copies of work

• All files

• Cover: “Diary No. 12345/2025-CO/L”

Cost: ₹50–₹100 | Track online

Step 5: Track & Get Certificate

Theory: Examiner checks originality (Section 13). Objections rare. Practice:

• Login → Track Status → Enter Diary No.

• No objection → Certificate in 3–12 months

• Objection? → Reply in 30 days (show drafts, dates)

Your Rights After Registration

• Sue for ₹2 lakh–₹2 crore damages

• License/sell rights

• Stop copies globally

Practice: Pro Tips

• File on launch day → Strongest claim

• Logo? Also file Trademark (ipindia.gov.in)

• Code? Submit first 10 + last 10 pages

• Stuck? Call 011-23362481