Copyright explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
A sound recording is any recorded audio, and the Office wants proof that everyone who contributed to it has agreed to the applicant holding the rights. Parts 2 and 3 of the Sound Recordings Manual set that out. It follows the Cinematograph Films Manual closely, so this article covers the common steps only as far as they differ; read our article on the film Manual for the shared detail.
Status. The Manual was published by the Copyright Office in 2018 after public comments on a draft. It is the Copyright Office's guidance and does not have the force of law; the Copyright Act, 1957 and the Copyright Rules, 2013 as now in force prevail. The Office may revise its practice, so check the current position on copyright.gov.in.
Any recorded audio, such as a song, a speech or an audio book, is a sound recording. The producer is the author. The application needs Form XIV, the Statement of Particulars, two copies (one if published), a power of attorney if used, and an NOC or agreement from every right-holder unless the applicant is the sole creator, who files an affidavit. The Statement of Further Particulars is not necessary. The usual route is our copyright registration service.
Definition and term
"Sound recording" means a recording of sounds from which they may be produced, whatever the medium or method (section 2(xx)). The Manual's examples are a song, a recorded speech and an audio book, and it adds under category that any audio recording, including audio of a lecture, song or dance performance without moving images, is a sound recording. The Manual states the term as 60 years from the year after first publication; our post on sections 26 to 29 covers terms.
The common steps, briefly
The list of registration prerequisites, the Formality Check, the minimum thirty-day waiting period (rule 70(9) read with 70(10)) and the signing rule (applicant only, rule 70(3)) are the same as in the film Manual. Our post on rule 70 explains the rule. The Manual does not print a fee in this range, so check the current Second Schedule through our post on rule 83. A separate application and fee are needed for each work: one recorded song is one work, and several songs on one disc or drive are several works.
What differs from the film Manual
| Point | Sound recording Manual | Practical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Publication examples | Showing through cable TV or DTH channel or an online audio platform; releasing in market on a CD, DVD, flash drive or other storage | The cinema-hall example does not appear; the two listed routes decide Columns 8 to 10 |
| Category | Audio only, devoid of moving images or visuals | A recording with pictures goes under films |
| Right-holders | Lyricists, music directors, composers, writers, performers, singers and others | Each needs an NOC or assignment in the applicant's favour |
| Author | The producer (section 2(d)(v), section 2(uu)) | The producer's name goes in Column 7 even after an assignment |
| Particular attention | Columns 2, 7 and 11 | Same three scenarios as for films |
Our post on section 52A deals with the particulars that sound recordings must carry; it is separate from the Office's examination.
NOCs and agreements
A NOC has no prescribed format but must state four things: the author is the creator of the sound recording; the author knows an application is being made in the applicant's name; the author has no objection; and the author has received full and final consideration, if any, for his services. It goes in original or notarised copy with the author's details and signature.
An agreement under section 19 should show the work, the rights assigned, duration and territory (not mandatory) and the royalty or consideration payable to the author or heirs, carry every party's name and signature, and be in writing signed by the assignor or his authorised agent.
Columns 2, 7 and 11 and the author, owner and publisher
The producer, the person who takes the initiative and responsibility for making the work, is the author. The Manual's scenarios:
- Original producing company applies. Its name is in Column 7, with NOCs or agreements from all right-holders.
- A second company takes an assignment. It applies as owner in Column 3; the original producer (assignor) remains the author in Column 7, and agreements between right-holders and the original producer, and between the two companies, accompany the application.
- An individual who made the work applies. The same name appears in Columns 2, 7 and 11.
- An individual applies but another made it. The individual is owner and the creator's details are in Column 7.
Column 11 lists those who hold the rights and the extent; an applicant holding everything may say it is the same as Column 2. A publisher different from the author or owner goes in Columns 9 and 10, with a NOC or agreement in favour of the author or owner. Our post on NOCs from publishers and producers gives more.
A worked example
Meridian Audio produces an audio book narrated by a voice artist, with music by an independent composer. Meridian sells all rights to Harbour Audio in a written agreement, and Harbour applies. Harbour is owner in Column 3 and Meridian is author in Column 7. Harbour attaches the Meridian-Harbour agreement and the NOCs of the narrator and composer. A letter would follow if Harbour appeared in Column 7 or if the narrator's NOC was absent.
Need help with a sound recording filing?
If you are putting together NOCs and an assignment for an album, an audio book or a track, we can prepare the Statement and the enclosures through our copyright registration service.
Key takeaways
- Any recorded audio is a sound recording; the producer is the author.
- Every contributor needs a NOC or assignment unless the applicant is the sole creator.
- One song is one work, even when songs share a disc.
- The Statement of Further Particulars is not necessary.
- The Manual prints no fee in this part; check the current Schedule.
Read next
- The five Copyright Office manuals and how an application is examined
- Cinematograph Films Manual: definition, publication, NOCs and agreements
- Musical Works Manual: author, adaptation and the sound recording line
- Sound Recordings Manual: commonly observed issues
Disclaimer: Based on the Practice and Procedure Manuals published by the Copyright Office in 2018 for literary, artistic, musical, cinematograph film and sound recording works, as consulted on 4 October 2026. The manuals are guidance and do not have the force of law; the Copyright Act, 1957 and the Copyright Rules, 2013 as now in force prevail, and current fees, forms and practice should be checked on copyright.gov.in. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.