How long does copyright last?

For most works, the author’s lifetime plus 60 years; for films, sound recordings and corporate works, 60 years from publication.

How long does registration take?

Typically a few months if unobjected, including the mandatory 30-day waiting period.

Can software be registered?

Yes — computer programmes are registrable as literary works, with source-code extracts filed per the rules.

Copyright Registration

Statutory registration of original literary, artistic, musical, dramatic, cinematographic and software works under the Copyright Act, 1957.

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Overview

Understanding Copyright Registration

Copyright arises automatically the moment an original work is created — but registration with the Copyright Office turns an invisible right into provable, enforceable proof of authorship. The certificate is prima facie evidence in court and is invaluable for licensing, assignment, takedowns and international protection. We register works across all categories — literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, cinematograph films, sound recordings and software — by filing Form XIV with the statement of particulars, navigating the 30-day mandatory wait and any objections, and securing the certificate and entry in the Register of Copyrights. For most works, protection lasts the author’s lifetime plus 60 years.

Why Legal Door

Built for Outcomes, Trusted Pan-India

Specialist lawyers, transparent pricing and end-to-end execution from first call to final order.

Right Category

Correct classification of the work — the single biggest driver of smooth registration.

NOC Management

Joint-author and publisher NOCs procured to pre-empt objections.

Objection Handling

Examiner queries and discrepancy letters answered with evidence.

Enforcement-Ready

A certificate structured to support future takedowns and infringement suits.

What We Cover

Key Highlights

Filing Form XIV with statement of particulars and the work

Diary number issuance and 30-day waiting period

Response to objections and examiner queries

Issuance of the registration certificate

Entry in the Register of Copyrights

Lifetime + 60 years protection for most works

Our Process

How We Help You

A straightforward, transparent path from first call to resolution.

1Work Classification

Identify the correct category — literary, artistic, musical, software, cinematograph or sound recording.

2Filing

Submit Form XIV with copies of the work, NOCs where required and the statement of particulars.

3Examination

After 30 days, the examiner reviews and may raise objections.

4Registration

On clearance, the certificate issues and details are entered in the Register.

Checklist

Documents Required

Two copies of the work
Author / owner ID and address proof
NOC from joint authors (if any)
NOC from publisher (if published)
Power of Attorney

Legal Framework

Applicable Laws & Regulations

Key statutes, rules and judicial precedents that govern this service.

Copyright Act, 1957 — Section 13

Works in which copyright subsists.

Sections 44 & 45

Section 22

Term of copyright — lifetime of the author plus 60 years for most works.

Form XIV, procedure and the 30-day waiting period.

Avoid These Mistakes

Common Pitfalls

Costly errors we routinely help clients fix — or better, avoid altogether.

Wrong Category

Mis-classifying the work (e.g., dramatic vs literary) causes objections and licensing confusion.

Missing NOCs

Absent joint-author / publisher NOCs are a leading cause of discrepancy letters.

Ownership Gaps

No written assignment from freelancers / employees muddies first ownership.

FAQs

Common Questions

Everything you need to know before you begin

No — copyright is automatic on creation. But registration provides strong evidentiary value in infringement actions.

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