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):
Work PDF → Delete your name/signature/watermark → Save as CleanWork.pdf
NOC (only if not author): “I, [Author], allow [You] to register [Title].” → Sign → Scan → NOC.pdf
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):
Visit copyright.gov.in → New User → OTP login
e-Filing → Apply
Work type: Book = Literary | Logo = Artistic
Title, language, published? (Yes/No + date)
Author → Upload NOC if needed
Upload 3 files → e-Sign with Aadhaar OTP
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
