Copyright Registration —
Protect Every Creative
Work You Create
Copyright subsists automatically in original creative works — but registration with the Copyright Office creates an official public record, serves as prima facie evidence of ownership in court, and is essential for enforcing rights against infringers. TaxClue files copyright registrations for all categories of works with the Copyright Office, New Delhi.
3 Reasons to Register Copyright — Even Though It Exists Automatically
Copyright subsists automatically on creation under Section 13 of the Copyright Act, 1957 — but automatic protection is not the same as enforceable protection.
Why Registration Matters
Prima Facie Evidence in Court: A registered copyright certificate is prima facie evidence of ownership in any legal proceeding. Without registration, you must independently prove creation, authorship, and date of first publication — often difficult and expensive. Registration shifts the burden of proof to the infringer. Enables Enforcement & Notice: Registration creates a public record. Many online platforms (YouTube, social media, stock agencies) require copyright registration details for DMCA / takedown notices. Commercial & Licensing Value: Registered copyright is a tangible IP asset that can be licensed, assigned, and used as collateral for financing.
6 Categories of Copyrightable Works Under the Copyright Act, 1957
Literary Works
Books, articles, blogs, poems, song lyrics, databases, tables, compilations, training manuals, user guides, and computer programmes (source code).
Artistic Works
Paintings, drawings, sketches, illustrations, photographs, logos, brand identity artwork, sculptures, architectural works, maps, charts, and diagrams.
Musical Works
Musical compositions — notes, melody, harmony, and sound recording. Note: lyrics are a separate literary work copyright; the recorded performance is a separate sound recording copyright.
Dramatic Works
Stage plays, theatre scripts, screenplays, film scripts, television serials, web series scripts, choreographic works, and recitation works.
Cinematographic Films
Feature films, short films, documentaries, docudramas, web series, OTT originals, advertisements, promotional videos, and educational videos.
Software & Computer Programmes
Source code in any programming language, mobile applications, web applications, SaaS products, databases and data structures, APIs, SDKs, and firmware.
Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Advantages
- ⚖️Prima Facie Evidence (Section 48) — Certificate is presumptive proof of ownership in court
- 📢Public Record & Takedown Notices — Registration enables DMCA notices and platform enforcement
- 💰Commercial & Licensing Value — Tangible IP asset for licensing, assignment, and financing
- 🌍Berne Convention — 180+ Countries — Indian registration provides automatic protection internationally
- ⏳Long Duration — Life of author + 60 years for literary, artistic, and musical works
- 💸Low Cost — ₹500 govt. fee for literary/artistic works — among the lowest of any IP right
Registration Process — Step by Step
TaxClue handles the entire process from application preparation to certificate delivery.
Work Details & Documents Collected
TaxClue collects author and owner details, title, category, publication details, and a copy of the work. NOC from the author if applicant is not the author. Day 1.
Form XIV Prepared
Form XIV filed accurately with all required information. Power of Attorney / Authorisation letter prepared for applicant signature. Day 1–2.
Filed with Copyright Office
Application filed online on the Copyright Office portal with copies of the work and all supporting documents. Government fee paid. Filing receipt received. Day 3–5.
30-Day Objection Window
Mandatory 30-day waiting period — any third party can file an objection. TaxClue monitors the diary entry. If an objection is filed, TaxClue responds on your behalf. Day 5–35.
Examination by Registrar
Registrar examines the application for completeness and compliance. If discrepancies found, objection letter issued — TaxClue responds within the stipulated period. 1–3 months.
Certificate Issued
Entry made in the Register of Copyrights. Registration certificate issued — unique copyright registration number assigned. Certificate is prima facie evidence of ownership. 3–6 months total.
Government Fees — Copyright Registration (Form XIV)
Copyright registration fees in India are among the lowest of any IP right. E-filing is available through the Copyright Office portal.
Literary, Dramatic, Musical, or Artistic Work
₹500 per work
Cinematographic Film
₹5,000 per work
Sound Recording
₹2,000 per work
Computer Programme / Software
₹500 (treated as literary work)
Applicant Details
Full name, address, nationality, and capacity of applicant (author, owner, agent).
Author Details
Name and address of author — may differ from owner if employer-owned or assigned work.
Work Details
Title, category, nature of work, and language.
Publication Details
Whether published or unpublished. If published: date, place, and country of first publication.
Copy of the Work
Two copies must be submitted — physical or digital depending on work category.
Power of Attorney
Authorisation to TaxClue to file on behalf of the applicant — signed and notarised.
Automatic Copyright vs Registered Copyright — What's the Difference?
| Feature | Automatic Copyright (Unregistered) | Registered Copyright |
|---|---|---|
| When does it arise? | On creation of the work | On filing + certificate issuance |
| Evidence of ownership | Circumstantial — difficult to prove | Prima facie evidence (Sec. 48) |
| Court enforceability | Possible — but burden of proof on you | Strong — certificate is presumptive proof |
| Public record / notice | No public register | Entered in Register of Copyrights |
| DMCA / takedown notices | Possible but weaker | Certificate number cited — stronger |
| Licensing / assignment | Possible — title uncertain | Clean title — commercially bankable |
| Investor due diligence | Often insufficient | Satisfies IP due diligence requirement |
| International recognition | Berne Convention — automatic in 180+ countries | Berne + Indian registration certificate |
Copyright Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Why Choose TaxClue?
All 6 Categories
Literary, artistic, musical, dramatic, film, software — every type of work handled.
3–5 Day Filing
Application filed quickly, objections handled if raised.
Software Specialists
Code redaction strategy for confidentiality — we protect your IP while filing.
Berne Convention
180+ country automatic protection with Indian registration certificate.
4.9/5 · IP Experts
Experienced copyright team — registration through enforcement.
Objection Response Included
If a third-party objection or examiner discrepancy arises, TaxClue responds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Creative Work Deserves a Certificate — Not Just Automatic Protection
Automatic copyright is real but invisible. A registered certificate is evidence — in court, in licensing negotiations, and in investor due diligence. TaxClue files copyright registrations for all categories of creative work with the Copyright Office, typically within 3–5 working days.
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