Copyright Registration in India — Protect Your Creative Work. Legally. Permanently.
FAST. LEGAL. ADVOCATE-FILED.
Regalwhiz Law Chambers files copyright registrations for literary works, software, artistic creations, music, films, and sound recordings under the Copyright Act, 1957. Advocate-reviewed Form XIV, Copyright Office submission, diary number in 2 working days, and certificate follow-up — end to end. 1,200+ works protected across India. Government fee from just ₹500.
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Literary Works & Books
Register copyright for novels, textbooks, poems, articles, research papers, manuals, course content, and databases under Section 13 of the Copyright Act, 1957. Protects your text from reproduction, adaptation, or plagiarism across India.
- Books, articles, blogs, manuals
- Research papers & theses
- Course content & e-books
- Advocate-drafted Form XIV
- Diary number in 2 working days
Software & Computer Programs
Computer programs are literary works under the Copyright Act, 1957 (Section 2(o)). Regalwhiz registers source code, mobile apps, SaaS products, and IT documentation for Indian software companies — the cheapest IP filing at just ₹500 govt fee.
- Source code & software
- Mobile app code
- SaaS & web applications
- API documentation
- Strong evidence in infringement suits
Artistic Works & Designs
Protect paintings, drawings, photographs, logos, illustrations, architectural plans, and graphic designs under the Copyright Act. Essential for India's design studios, advertising agencies, fashion industry, and independent artists.
- Paintings & drawings
- Photographs & digital art
- Logos & brand graphics
- Architecture drawings
- Textile & handicraft designs
Musical Works & Sound Recordings
Register musical compositions and sound recordings separately — each is a distinct copyrightable work. Protects Indian musicians, composers, and recording studios. Govt fee: ₹500 for composition, ₹2,000 for sound recording.
- Musical compositions
- Song lyrics
- Sound recordings
- Jingles & background scores
- Cover version rights guidance
Films, Scripts & Dramatic Works
Cinematograph films, web series, short films, and dramatic scripts qualify for copyright registration. Regalwhiz assists India's film and OTT production community — from script copyright to full film registration at ₹5,000 govt fee.
- Cinematograph films
- Web series & OTT content
- Dramatic scripts
- Documentary films
- Animation & motion graphics
Copyright Objection Reply & Enforcement
Received a copyright objection from the Copyright Office? Regalwhiz advocates draft detailed legal replies within the mandatory 30-day window. We also assist with infringement notices, DMCA takedowns, and litigation support pan-India.
- Objection reply within deadline
- Examiner query response
- Infringement notices (C&D)
- DMCA takedown support
- Copyright litigation assistance
Free Consultation & Work Assessment
Our copyright advocate reviews your work type — literary, software, artistic, musical, or film — confirms copyrightability, identifies the correct fee slab from the official Schedule II, and explains the full registration timeline at no cost.
Document Collection
We collect your ID proof, address proof, two copies of the work, and any NOC (if the work was created as part of employment or commissioned). For software, we prepare the Statement of Particulars and Statement of Further Particulars.
Form XIV Preparation & Filing
Our advocate prepares the Form XIV application with complete accuracy, computes the exact government fee from Schedule II, and submits online at copyright.gov.in within 2 working days of receiving your documents.
Diary Number & 30-Day Window
The Copyright Office issues a Diary Number within 2–5 working days of filing — proof your application is registered. A mandatory 30-day objection period follows. Regalwhiz monitors the application and handles any third-party objections or examiner queries.
Registration Certificate Delivered
After the objection period and examiner clearance, the Copyright Office issues your Registration Certificate. Regalwhiz follows up proactively at every stage — from diary number to final certificate — and delivers it to you digitally and by post.
Literary / Artistic Work
- 1 copyright application (book, software, art)
- Form XIV preparation & advocate review
- Govt. fee: ₹500 (included in package)
- Diary number within 2 working days
- Application status tracking
- Certificate follow-up until issued
Film / Sound Recording
- 1 complex work (film, sound recording)
- Govt. fee: ₹2,000–₹5,000 included
- Statement of Particulars drafted
- NOC & Power of Attorney if needed
- Examiner query response included
- Advocate-assisted until certificate
Copyright Objection Reply
Advocates Only — No Automated Portals
Every copyright application at Regalwhiz is filed by an enrolled advocate — not an automated portal or paralegal. Our advocates verify work type, select the correct fee slab, and draft statements accurately.
All 6 Work Types Covered
Literary, artistic, musical, dramatic, cinematograph, and sound recording — Regalwhiz files all six categories under the Copyright Act, 1957. Most competitors handle only literary works and software.
Diary Number in 2 Working Days
Once your documents are in order, our advocates file at the Copyright Office within 2 working days — faster than most services that take 5–7 days just for preparation.
Pan-India Service from Chennai Office
Physical office at Spencer Plaza, Anna Salai, Chennai 600002. We register copyright for clients across all Indian states — the Copyright Office in New Delhi serves the entire country.
Objection & Enforcement Support
Copyright objections are common for complex works. Regalwhiz advocates respond within the 30-day window, handle examiner queries, and assist with infringement enforcement if your rights are violated after registration.
End-to-End Until Certificate
We don't stop at diary number. Regalwhiz follows up with the Copyright Office until your Registration Certificate is issued — complete closure, not just an acknowledgment.
Real Words From Real Clients
"Regalwhiz registered our SaaS platform's source code within 3 working days of us sending documents. The advocate clearly explained that software is a literary work under Section 2(o) and filed under the correct fee slab. Certificate arrived in 9 months with zero follow-up needed from our side. Excellent pan-India service from their Chennai team."
"I published my second non-fiction book and wanted copyright registered before the print run. Regalwhiz filed Form XIV within 2 days of my documents, handled a third-party objection during the waiting period, and got it resolved professionally. My certificate is permanent proof of authorship — worth every rupee of the ₹3,999 package."
"We create brand identities — logos, illustrations, packaging designs — for India's top consumer brands. Regalwhiz registered 8 of our artistic works in one engagement. Correct classification under artistic works, Statement of Particulars drafted accurately. Very transparent on timelines. Highly recommended for design studios."
"Regalwhiz helped me understand that musical compositions and sound recordings are separately registrable — and filed both for my latest film project. The advocate was precise about what protection each certificate gives and what the ₹500 vs ₹2,000 fee difference means. Excellent service for independent composers."
"We're an independent production house. Regalwhiz registered copyright for our web series script before we pitched to OTT platforms. The advocate confirmed that the script (dramatic work) and the final film are separately protectable — two different registrations. Quick filing, completely transparent process."
"Our e-learning platform has 150+ video courses and study materials. We needed to protect our content before a competitor copied it. Regalwhiz advised us to prioritise core course modules and filed 15 applications across 6 weeks. Now our IP is fully documented and legally enforceable — essential before our Series A round."
"Regalwhiz registered our SaaS platform's source code within 3 working days of us sending documents. The advocate clearly explained that software is a literary work under Section 2(o) and filed under the correct fee slab. Certificate arrived in 9 months with zero follow-up needed from our side. Excellent pan-India service from their Chennai team."
"I published my second non-fiction book and wanted copyright registered before the print run. Regalwhiz filed Form XIV within 2 days of my documents, handled a third-party objection during the waiting period, and got it resolved professionally. My certificate is permanent proof of authorship — worth every rupee of the ₹3,999 package."
"We create brand identities — logos, illustrations, packaging designs — for India's top consumer brands. Regalwhiz registered 8 of our artistic works in one engagement. Correct classification under artistic works, Statement of Particulars drafted accurately. Very transparent on timelines. Highly recommended for design studios."
"Regalwhiz helped me understand that musical compositions and sound recordings are separately registrable — and filed both for my latest film project. The advocate was precise about what protection each certificate gives and what the ₹500 vs ₹2,000 fee difference means. Excellent service for independent composers."
"We're an independent production house. Regalwhiz registered copyright for our web series script before we pitched to OTT platforms. The advocate confirmed that the script (dramatic work) and the final film are separately protectable — two different registrations. Quick filing, completely transparent process."
"Our e-learning platform has 150+ video courses and study materials. We needed to protect our content before a competitor copied it. Regalwhiz advised us to prioritise core course modules and filed 15 applications across 6 weeks. Now our IP is fully documented and legally enforceable — essential before our Series A round."
Is copyright registration mandatory in India?
No — copyright protection arises automatically under the Copyright Act, 1957 the moment an original work is created and fixed in a tangible form. However, registration is strongly recommended because a Certificate of Registration serves as prima facie evidence of ownership in Indian courts. Without it, you must independently prove creation date and authorship in any infringement dispute — which is expensive and uncertain. Government registration costs as little as ₹500, making it one of the best-value legal protections available.
What is the government fee for copyright registration in India?
The official government fees under Schedule II of the Copyright Rules, 2013 are: (1) Literary, Dramatic, Musical or Artistic works — ₹500 per work; (2) Literary or Artistic work used in relation to goods — ₹2,000 per work; (3) Sound Recordings — ₹2,000 per work; (4) Cinematograph Films — ₹5,000 per work. Computer software is treated as a literary work and attracts the ₹500 fee. Regalwhiz's professional fee is additional and covers the entire filing process from Form XIV preparation to certificate delivery.
What types of works can be copyright registered in India?
Under Section 13 of the Copyright Act, 1957, six categories are eligible: (1) Literary works — books, articles, software, databases; (2) Artistic works — paintings, photographs, logos, architecture; (3) Musical works — compositions and melodies; (4) Dramatic works — scripts, screenplays, choreography; (5) Cinematograph films; and (6) Sound recordings. Computer software is classified as a literary work under Section 2(o). Ideas, facts, methods, and titles are not copyrightable — only the original expression.
How long does copyright registration take in India?
The Copyright Office issues a Diary Number (acknowledgment) within 2–5 working days of filing. A mandatory 30-day objection window then follows. After examination, the Registration Certificate is typically issued within 6–12 months of the filing date. Regalwhiz monitors your application at every stage and responds to examiner queries within the 30-day response window to prevent delays.
What documents are required for copyright registration in India?
Required documents are: (1) Completed Form XIV application; (2) Two copies of the work (digital file or physical copy); (3) Applicant's ID proof — Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport; (4) Address proof; (5) NOC from the author if the applicant is not the original creator (e.g., employer filing for employee-created work); (6) Power of Attorney if filing through an agent like Regalwhiz; (7) Government fee payment. For software works, Regalwhiz also prepares the Statement of Particulars and Statement of Further Particulars.
Can my company's software be copyright registered in India?
Yes — and it should be. Computer programs, including source code, object code, and preparatory design material, are explicitly protected as literary works under Section 2(o) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Government fee is just ₹500 — the cheapest IP filing in India. A copyright certificate for your software is required by many enterprise clients during vendor due diligence, protects against employee/contractor IP disputes, and makes infringement action immediate and straightforward. Regalwhiz has registered 400+ software works for Indian IT companies.
How long does copyright protection last in India?
Under the Copyright Act, 1957: Literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works — lifetime of the author plus 60 years from the year following death. Cinematograph films and sound recordings — 60 years from the year of first publication. Computer programs (as literary works) — lifetime of the creator plus 60 years. These are among the longest copyright terms globally, with no renewal fees required during the term.
What happens if someone infringes my registered copyright?
With a Registration Certificate, you have prima facie evidence of ownership and can seek: (1) Civil remedies — injunction, damages, account of profits, and delivery up of infringing copies (Section 55); (2) Criminal action — imprisonment of 6 months to 3 years and fines of ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh (Section 63); (3) DMCA takedowns for online infringement hosted internationally. Regalwhiz advocates assist with infringement notices, takedown requests, and civil/criminal complaints across India.
What is a copyright objection and how is it resolved?
After filing, any third party can raise an objection within 30 days claiming prior ownership or other grounds. The Copyright Office notifies both parties and schedules a hearing before the Examiner of Copyrights. Regalwhiz advocates draft the reply, prepare evidence of prior creation, and represent you before the Examiner if required. Most commercially-motivated objections are successfully defended with proper legal documentation. Regalwhiz's objection reply service is ₹4,999 per application.
Who owns the copyright for work created by employees in India?
Under Section 17 of the Copyright Act, 1957: if a work is created by an employee in the course of employment, the copyright vests in the employer — unless there is a written contract to the contrary. For commissioned freelancer work, copyright generally stays with the creator unless expressly assigned in writing. Regalwhiz advises Indian companies on copyright ownership structuring — ensuring employers, startups, and agencies have correctly documented ownership before filing registration.
Copyright for Software Companies, Startups & IT Firms
From Bangalore's SaaS unicorns to Hyderabad's gaming studios, Pune's fintech companies, and Chennai's IT exporters — every Indian software company should register copyright for its core product code. Source code, mobile apps, APIs, and IT documentation are all literary works under Section 2(o) of the Copyright Act, 1957 at ₹500 per work. Regalwhiz has registered 400+ software works for Indian tech companies. Bulk registration packages available for companies with large codebases or product portfolios.
Copyright for India's Music & Film Industry
India's music and film ecosystem — Bollywood, Tamil cinema, Telugu and Kannada industries, independent music producers, OTT content creators — generates enormous IP that must be protected through separate copyright registrations for musical compositions (₹500), sound recordings (₹2,000), and cinematograph films (₹5,000). Regalwhiz assists music composers, lyricists, production houses, and OTT creators with multi-layer copyright registration — ensuring both the underlying composition and the final recorded/filmed work are separately protected.
Copyright for Artists, Designers & Creative Agencies
India's growing creative economy — graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, architects, and advertising agencies — creates enormous volumes of artistic works that are routinely copied without authorisation. Copyright registration under the artistic works category costs just ₹500 per work and creates a Certificate of Registration that is decisive evidence in any infringement dispute. Regalwhiz registers artistic works for individual creators and agencies across India, with bulk registration packages for agencies with large design portfolios.
Copyright for EdTech, E-Learning & Digital Content Creators
India's EdTech sector — from Bangalore-based unicorns to independent course creators across the country — generates enormous volumes of educational content that is vulnerable to copying and republication. E-learning modules, video courses, study materials, question banks, and digital textbooks are all literary or artistic works eligible for copyright registration. Regalwhiz assists EdTech companies and content creators with systematic copyright registration for their entire content library, including prioritisation frameworks for large portfolios.
What is Copyright Registration in India and Why Does It Matter?
Copyright is an intellectual property right that automatically protects original creative works — books, software, music, films, artistic creations — the moment they are created and fixed in a tangible form. In India, copyright is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957, as amended most significantly by the Copyright (Amendment) Act, 2012. The governing authority is the Copyright Office under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, headquartered in New Delhi.
While copyright protection arises automatically without registration, registering your work creates a Certificate of Registration — which serves as prima facie evidence of ownership in all Indian courts. Without it, enforcing your copyright in an infringement dispute requires expensive independent proof of creation date, authorship, and ownership. A single registration costs as little as ₹500 in government fees and protects your work for your lifetime plus 60 years.
India's creative and technology economy — software companies in Bangalore and Hyderabad, authors and publishers across Delhi and Mumbai, musicians and film studios in Chennai and Kolkata, design agencies in Pune and Ahmedabad — all benefit from copyright registration as the foundational layer of IP protection. Regalwhiz Law Chambers, headquartered in Chennai's Spencer Plaza, has registered 1,200+ works for clients across India. Trademark registration and copyright together form the complete IP protection stack for any Indian business.
What Works Are Eligible for Copyright Registration in India?
Section 13 of the Copyright Act, 1957 specifies six categories of works eligible for registration:
- Literary Works — novels, non-fiction books, textbooks, poetry, articles, research papers, databases, computer programs (including source code and object code), and compilations. This is the broadest and most commonly registered category.
- Artistic Works — paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings, photographs, works of architecture, and works of artistic craftsmanship. Logos, brand identities, illustrations, and graphic designs fall here.
- Musical Works — musical compositions including any graphical notation. Note: this covers the composition and melody only — the actual recorded performance is a separate "sound recording" copyright with its own registration and fee.
- Dramatic Works — any piece for recitation, choreographic work, entertainment in dumb show, a scenic arrangement, and any screenplay or script for a film or play.
- Cinematograph Films — any work of visual recording on any medium from which a moving image can be produced. Web series, OTT content, documentaries, and short films are included.
- Sound Recordings — any recording of sounds from which the sounds may be reproduced, regardless of medium. A film song as recorded is a sound recording (separate from the musical composition).
Software and IT companies: Computer programs are explicitly classified as literary works under Section 2(o) of the Copyright Act — eligible for registration at just ₹500 in government fees. This covers source code, object code, preparatory design material, and user documentation.
Works that are not eligible include ideas, concepts, procedures, methods of operation, mathematical concepts, and titles. Copyright protects expression — not the underlying idea. For technical inventions, patent protection is the correct route.
Official Government Fee Table — Copyright Registration India (Schedule II)
The following is the complete fee schedule from Schedule II of the Copyright Rules, 2013 as published by the Copyright Office, Government of India at copyright.gov.in. All 19 entries are listed below:
| S. No. | Nature of Application / Service | Applicant Type | Section | Govt. Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REGISTRATION OF COPYRIGHT (Section 45) | ||||
| 1 | Registration of copyright — Literary, Dramatic, Musical or Artistic work (other than a photograph) | Individual | Sec. 45(1) | ₹500 |
| 2 | Registration of copyright — Literary, Dramatic, Musical or Artistic work (other than a photograph) | Others (Company / Firm / Organisation) | Sec. 45(1) | ₹2,000 |
| 3 | Registration of copyright — Photograph | Individual | Sec. 45(1) | ₹500 |
| 4 | Registration of copyright — Photograph | Others (Company / Firm / Organisation) | Sec. 45(1) | ₹2,000 |
| 5 | Registration of copyright — Literary or Artistic work used in relation to goods | Any applicant | Sec. 45(2) | ₹2,000 |
| 6 | Registration of copyright — Cinematograph Film | Individual | Sec. 45(1) | ₹5,000 |
| 7 | Registration of copyright — Cinematograph Film | Others (Company / Firm / Organisation) | Sec. 45(1) | ₹5,000 |
| 8 | Registration of copyright — Sound Recording | Individual | Sec. 45(1) | ₹2,000 |
| 9 | Registration of copyright — Sound Recording | Others (Company / Firm / Organisation) | Sec. 45(1) | ₹2,000 |
| COMPULSORY & STATUTORY LICENCE APPLICATIONS | ||||
| 10 | Application for Compulsory Licence — unpublished Indian works | Any applicant | Sec. 31 | ₹5,000 |
| 11 | Application for Compulsory Licence — works withheld from the public | Any applicant | Sec. 31A | ₹5,000 |
| 12 | Application for Compulsory Licence — for the benefit of disabled persons | Any applicant | Sec. 31B | ₹2,000 |
| 13 | Application for Statutory Licence — cover versions of sound recordings | Any applicant | Sec. 31C | ₹2,000 |
| 14 | Application for Statutory Licence — broadcasting of literary and musical works and sound recordings | Any applicant | Sec. 31D | ₹2,000 |
| REGISTER ADMINISTRATION & OTHER SERVICES | ||||
| 15 | Application for change of particulars in the Register of Copyrights | Any applicant | Sec. 50 | ₹200 |
| 16 | Application for removal of entry from the Register of Copyrights | Any applicant | Sec. 50 | ₹200 |
| 17 | Inspection of the Register of Copyrights | — | — | ₹50 |
| 18 | Extract from the Register of Copyrights | — | — | ₹50 per page |
| 19 | Certified copy of an entry in the Register of Copyrights | — | — | ₹200 |
Source: copyright.gov.in — Fee Details | Schedule II, Copyright Rules 2013. Fees are payable by demand draft or online at copyright.gov.in in favour of the Registrar of Copyrights, New Delhi. Note: Rows 6 & 7 carry the same fee (₹5,000) for cinematograph films regardless of applicant type.
Important note on software: Computer programs are registered as literary works under Section 2(o) — attracting the ₹500 fee (row 1 for individuals, row 2 for companies). This is the lowest IP registration fee in India and makes software copyright the most cost-effective IP tool for Indian tech companies.
Step-by-Step Copyright Registration Process in India (2026)
Copyright registration in India is governed by the Copyright Rules, 2013 (amended 2016). Applications are filed with the Copyright Office, New Delhi — which serves applicants across all Indian states:
- Prepare Form XIV: The application requires details of the work, nature of copyright claimed, author's name and nationality, applicant's details, year and country of first publication, and class of work. Errors in Form XIV are the leading cause of examiner objections — Regalwhiz advocates review every field before submission.
- Prepare supporting documents: Two copies of the work, applicant's ID and address proof, NOC from the author (if applicant is employer or assignee), and Power of Attorney if filing through an agent. For software, prepare the Statement of Particulars and Statement of Further Particulars.
- Compute and pay government fee: Use the Schedule II fee table above. Payment via demand draft in favour of "Registrar of Copyrights, New Delhi" or via online e-payment at copyright.gov.in.
- File at the Copyright Office: Online at copyright.gov.in (recommended — faster) or physically at Boudhik Sampada Bhawan, Plot No. 32, Sector 14, Dwarka, New Delhi — 110078. Regalwhiz files digitally for all clients.
- Receive Diary Number: The Copyright Office issues a Diary Number (acknowledgment) within 2–5 working days — your proof that the application is lodged. Regalwhiz delivers this to you with a status tracking link.
- 30-Day Objection Window: Any person may file a representation within 30 days. If an objection is received, both parties are heard. Regalwhiz handles all objection responses within the mandatory deadline.
- Examiner Review: After the objection period, the Examiner of Copyrights reviews the application. Any queries must be replied to within 30 days. Regalwhiz handles all examiner correspondence.
- Registration Certificate Issued: If cleared, the Registration Certificate is issued. Total timeline: typically 6–12 months from date of filing.
How Long Does Copyright Protection Last in India?
India's copyright term is among the most generous globally — and requires no renewal fees during the protection period:
- Literary, Dramatic, Musical and Artistic works: Lifetime of the author plus 60 years from the year following the author's death. For joint authorship, the 60 years begins after the last surviving author's death.
- Cinematograph Films: 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year following publication.
- Sound Recordings: 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year following publication.
- Government works: 60 years from the date of publication.
- Photographs: 60 years from the year of publication (treated as artistic works).
- Computer Programs / Software: As literary works — lifetime of the creator plus 60 years. For employer-owned software (created by employees), the employer is the first owner and the 60-year term applies.
A copyright registered today for a book written by a 40-year-old author could remain protected until 2100 or beyond — at a one-time government fee of ₹500. No other IP protection in India offers this combination of duration, cost, and automatic accrual.
Copyright vs. Trademark vs. Patent — Which Does Your Business Need?
Understanding the correct IP tool prevents costly mistakes. Here is a clear comparison for Indian businesses:
- Copyright — Protects original creative expression (books, software, music, art, films). Arises automatically but registration is recommended for enforcement. Duration: Life + 60 years. Governing body: Copyright Office, DPIIT. Govt fee: ₹500–₹5,000.
- Trademark — Protects brand identifiers (name, logo, tagline). Does NOT arise automatically — active registration required. Duration: 10 years, renewable indefinitely. Governing body: Trade Marks Registry, IP India. Best for: any business with a recognisable brand.
- Patent — Protects technical inventions and processes. Requires novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Duration: 20 years, not renewable. Governing body: Patent Office, IP India. Best for: product companies and R&D-intensive businesses.
Many Indian businesses need both copyright and trademark. A software startup should register copyright for its code (₹500 govt fee) and trademark for its brand name (₹4,500 govt fee for startups). A book series should have copyright for each book and trademark for the series title. Regalwhiz offers combined IP packages that cover copyright, trademark, and patent in a single engagement.
Copyright Registration for Software — Why Every Indian IT Company Needs It
India is the world's largest software exporter, yet the majority of Indian IT companies — from Bangalore unicorns to Chennai SaaS startups — do not register copyright for their software. This is a critical gap. Under Section 2(o) of the Copyright Act, 1957, computer programs, source code, object code, and preparatory design material are literary works eligible for registration at just ₹500 in government fees.
Why Indian IT companies should register software copyright:
- Enterprise client requirements: US, UK, and European enterprise clients increasingly demand copyright certificates from their Indian software vendors as part of procurement and vendor compliance audits
- Employee and contractor IP disputes: A registered copyright in the company's name eliminates ambiguity when employees or freelancers later claim rights over code they contributed. Critical for companies with distributed development teams
- Investor and M&A due diligence: Every technology company acquisition in India involves a review of IP documentation — copyright certificates are expected IP assets in a well-structured company
- Infringement enforcement: If a competitor reverse-engineers or copies your software, a copyright certificate makes injunction and damages proceedings immediate — without registration, establishing prior creation takes months
- Open source compliance: Registered copyright strengthens your legal position in enforcing the terms of open source licences you publish under
Regalwhiz has registered copyright for 400+ software works across India — from Bangalore SaaS companies to Delhi fintech platforms, Hyderabad product startups, and Mumbai digital agencies. Our software copyright package at ₹3,999 all-inclusive covers Form XIV, Statement of Particulars, government fee, and certificate follow-up.
Copyright Infringement in India — Legal Rights and Remedies
A registered copyright owner has a powerful set of civil and criminal remedies under the Copyright Act, 1957 when their work is copied without permission:
Civil Remedies — Section 55
- Injunction: Immediate court order stopping the infringer from reproducing, distributing, or communicating your work. Can be obtained on an urgent ex-parte basis (without notice to infringer) in serious cases
- Damages: Monetary compensation for actual loss suffered due to infringement
- Account of Profits: The infringer must pay over all profits earned from using your work
- Delivery Up and Destruction: The court can order all infringing copies surrendered and destroyed
Criminal Remedies — Section 63
- Imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years (minimum 1 year for repeat offences)
- Fine from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh (minimum ₹1 lakh for repeat offences)
- Police can seize all infringing copies without a warrant under Section 64
Digital Enforcement
For online infringement, Regalwhiz assists with: DMCA takedown notices (for content on US-hosted platforms like YouTube, Instagram, GitHub); John Doe / Ashok Kumar orders from Indian courts to take down infringing content before the infringer is identified; and IT Act complaints for digital copyright violations. The Delhi High Court and Madras High Court are particularly experienced with copyright enforcement for Indian creators and companies.
8 Copyright Mistakes Indian Creators and Companies Make
- 1. Believing "copyright is automatic, so I don't need to register." Automatic protection exists, but without a registration certificate you cannot prove ownership in court quickly or cheaply. A ₹500 filing eliminates this risk entirely.
- 2. Registering after infringement occurs. You can register after infringement, but courts note the weakness of a registration obtained after a dispute begins. Register before publishing or distributing your work.
- 3. Skipping software copyright. India's most underused IP tool. Every software product, mobile app, and SaaS platform should have a copyright certificate — at ₹500 govt fee, there is no cheaper IP protection available.
- 4. Confusing musical composition and sound recording. A film song has two separate copyrightable works: the musical composition (melody + lyrics, ₹500 fee) and the sound recording (the actual recorded version, ₹2,000 fee). Both require separate applications.
- 5. Not getting a written copyright assignment from freelancers. If you hired a freelancer to create a work, copyright stays with the creator unless they signed a written assignment. Register only after securing the assignment — or file an NOC from the author at minimum.
- 6. Filing under the wrong work category. A logo filed under "literary works" instead of "artistic works" triggers examiner objections and delays. Regalwhiz advocates select the correct category for every filing.
- 7. Missing the 30-day objection response window. If the Copyright Office notifies you of a third-party objection and you miss the mandatory reply deadline, your application may lapse. Regalwhiz monitors all applications and responds within every deadline.
- 8. Thinking copyright protects the idea. Copyright protects the specific expression — not the underlying idea. If you want to protect a technical method or invention, you need a patent application. Regalwhiz advises on the correct IP route for your specific work.
Register Your Copyright in India — Govt Fee from ₹500, Diary Number in 2 Days
Talk to our IP advocate today — free consultation, advocate-filed application, no obligation.