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Sumit Associates / Copyright

30 — Copyright · Filed. Registered. Defended.

Put creative and written work on the public record.

Copyright protects original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, along with cinematograph films and sound recordings. Protection arises automatically on creation — registration with the Copyright Office is optional, but the entry it creates in the Register of Copyrights is strong evidence of ownership if a dispute ever reaches court.

Start a Filing → See the Process
© 1 ORIGINAL WORK 2 FORM XIV

FIG. 4 — Original work, entered on the Register

Governing LawCopyright Act, 1957 & Rules, 2013
Administered ByCopyright Office, New Delhi
Term of ProtectionAuthor's life + 60 years (varies by category)
Filing ModeOnline e-filing available

What's Protected

Original expression, not the underlying idea

Section 13 of the Act protects six categories of work: literary works (including computer software), dramatic works, musical works, artistic works, cinematograph films, and sound recordings — provided each is an original expression fixed in a tangible form.

Ideas, facts, procedures and methods are never protected on their own; only the specific way they've been expressed is. Government publications, statutes and court judgments are also outside the scope of protection.

Why Register Anyway

  • An entry in the Register of Copyrights is prima facie evidence of ownership under the Act
  • It materially strengthens an infringement claim, licensing negotiation, or assignment
  • Both published and unpublished works can be registered, each under a separate application

How a Copyright Proceeds

From filing to entry in the Register

1

Filing

Form XIV is filed per work, with a statement of particulars, the required copies, and prescribed fee.

2

Diary Number

The Copyright Office issues a Diary Number acknowledging receipt of the application.

3

Objection Window

A mandatory 30-day window allows any third party to object to the registration.

4

Examination

If no objection is sustained, the Registrar examines the particulars for compliance with the Rules.

5

Entry & Certificate

The work is entered in the Register of Copyrights and a signed certificate is issued to the applicant.

Frequently Asked

Before you write in

§1

Do I have to register before I can enforce my copyright?

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No — copyright exists from the moment of creation. Registration isn't a precondition to suing for infringement, but it materially eases the burden of proving ownership.
§2

How long does copyright last?

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For most authored works, the author's lifetime plus 60 years. For films, sound recordings and photographs, the term generally runs 60 years from the year of publication.
§3

Can software be registered as a literary work?

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Yes, source code and object code fall within the literary works category and are commonly registered by filing representative extracts of the code.
§4

What if the Registry raises a discrepancy?

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A discrepancy letter extends the timeline but is routine; we respond with the requested clarification or documents to keep the application moving.
Practice Patents · Trademarks · Copyright · Designs · GI · SICLDR Response within 1–2 business days Confidentiality NDA on request

Submit an enquiry

Tell us what you've created and whether it's published — we'll confirm the right category and prepare the Form XIV filing.

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