What is Copyright?
Copyright is a form of intellectual property that protects original creative expression under the Copyright Act, 1957. It protects the way an idea is expressed — not the idea itself. Copyright comes into existence automatically the moment a work is created in a tangible form. Registration with the Copyright Office creates a permanent public record of ownership and is essential evidence in infringement proceedings.
Copyright protection in India is automatic — but registration gives you the legal tools to enforce your rights effectively. A copyright registration certificate is the primary document establishing authorship and ownership, and is often required by platforms, publishers and courts.
60+ years of protection: Copyright for literary, artistic, dramatic and musical works lasts for the author's lifetime plus 60 years — one of the longest protection terms in intellectual property law.
Our Copyright Services
Copyright Registration
Registration of all categories of works — literary, artistic, musical, dramatic, film, software — before the Copyright Office of India.
📋Copyright Objection
Reply to copyright objections raised during the 30-day diary period or by the Copyright Office Examiner.
⚖️Copyright Enforcement
Civil and criminal action for copyright infringement — injunction, damages and criminal prosecution for piracy.
What Works Can Be Protected?
- Literary works — books, articles, novels, poetry, manuals, websites, source code
- Artistic works — paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, logos, illustrations
- Musical works — compositions, songs, scores and background music
- Dramatic works — scripts, plays, screenplays, choreography
- Cinematographic films — movies, documentaries, web series, short films
- Sound recordings — albums, podcasts, audio books, voice recordings
- Computer software — programs, applications, databases, source code
- Architectural drawings and technical design drawings
Frequently Asked Questions
What does copyright protect in India?
Copyright in India protects original creative works including literary works (books, articles, software), artistic works (paintings, logos, photographs), musical works, dramatic works, cinematographic films, sound recordings and computer programs under the Copyright Act, 1957. It protects the expression of an idea — not the idea itself.
Is copyright registration mandatory in India?
No — copyright exists automatically the moment a work is created without any requirement for registration. However, registration provides crucial advantages: it is legal proof of ownership admissible in court, establishes a clear date of creation, and is generally required to pursue infringement claims effectively in India. Without registration, enforcement can be significantly more difficult and expensive.
How long does copyright last in India?
For original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years, counted from the year following the author's death. For cinematographic films, sound recordings and photographs, the term is 60 years from the year of publication. After expiry, the work enters the public domain.
Can a logo be protected by both trademark and copyright?
Yes — and it is strongly recommended. A trademark (™/®) protects your logo as a brand identifier in commerce, is class-specific and must be renewed every 10 years. Copyright (©) protects the original artistic expression in the logo design globally for the author's lifetime plus 60 years. Together they provide comprehensive layered protection for your brand identity.
Can software be copyrighted in India?
Yes. Computer programs — both source code and object code — are protected as literary works under the Copyright Act, 1957. For software copyright registration, both source code and object code must be submitted with the application. Software copyright prevents unauthorised copying, reproduction, distribution and adaptation of your code.
Official Resource: For official information, visit the Copyright Office of India — the authoritative government source for IP matters in India.