What is a Copyright?

Copyright is an essential part of Intellectual Property (IP). It is an exclusive right given by the law to authors or creators of artistic works, musical works, producers of cinematography films, sound recordings, etc. In fact, it is a bunch of rights consisting of adaptation, rights of reproduction, works translation, and communication to the public. There could be minor differences in the composition of the rights-based upon the work. Copyright makes sure that specific minimum protection of the author's right over their creations, thereby safeguarding and rewarding creativity. Creativity being the foundation of progress, no enlightened society can afford to ignore the necessities of promoting the same. The social and economic development of a community is based upon creativity. The security offered by Copyright to the efforts of designers, writers, musicians, architects, and producers of sound recordings, computer software, etc., create an environment helpful to creativity, which persuades them to make more and encourages others to develop.

Creates Public Record

The process of Copyright Registration assists in creating a Public Record. The term "Public Record" denotes that the owner's work is duly protected, and no one can use it without obtaining prior approval or license from the actual owner.

• Acts a Legal Evidence for Ownership

A registered copyright acts as legal evidence for the author or creator. It prevents the work from duplication and can be used as a proof of ownership in front of the court.

• Protects Work from Infringement

A duly registered copyright enables the owner to file a suit for infringement and take legal action against the infringer.

For example, A person is selling copies of a work without the prior permission of the owner.

• Provides Economic Benefit

In India, registered Copyright offers certain economic benefits to the owner regarding the use of the work, such as Public Performance, Broadcasting of Work, Making Copies, etc. Further, the term "Economic Benefits" denotes the ailment of the appropriate fee or reward for the use of work.

• Permits Author to Change the Form of Work

After obtaining Copyright Registration, only the author or creator has the right to change the form of work. For example registered Copyright enables the owner to revise, update, or make a work sequel.

• Allows Transfer of Rights

A duly registered copyright enables the owner to sell/ pass/ or transfer the right of his/ her work to another person.

Basic Documents

• Address Proof and Identity Proof of the Applicant along with the nationality;
• Disclosure of the interest of the Applicant in the Copyright; whether the Applicant is the author of the work or the legal representative of the author;
• Submit two copies of the original work;
• In case of a company or business, submit an incorporation certificate;
• Details of the work's nature;
• Work Language;
• Title, class, and description of the work;
• Publication date; publication in magazines or in a research paper (Internal) submitted to a professor doesn't count as publication;

Artistic Work

• Submit 2 Copies of the Work.
• Demand Draft of Rs (as applicable) per work.
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the author, if in case the Applicant is different from the actual author.
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the publisher, if work published and publisher is different from Applicant.
• Search Certificate from the Trade Mark Office, if in case the work is being used on goods or is capable of being used on the goods.
• If in case the Application for registration is being filed by a copyright expert, then there is a need for a specific Power of Attorney that will be signed by the Applicant and accepted by the attorney.

Cinematograph Film

• Submit 2 Copies of the Work.
• Demand Draft of Rs (as applicable) per work.
• A copy of the Deed of Assignment or NOC from various copyright holders.
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the publisher, if work published and publisher is different from Applicant.
• If in case the Application for registration is being filed by a copyright expert, then there is a need for a specific Power of Attorney that will be signed by the Applicant and accepted by the attorney.

Music

• Submit 2 Copies of the Work.
• Demand Draft of Rs (as applicable) per work.
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the publisher, if work published and publisher is different from Applicant.
• If in case the Application for registration is being filed by a copyright expert, then there is a need for a specific Power of Attorney that will be signed by the Applicant and accepted by the attorney.
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the author, if in case the Applicant is different from the actual author.

Literary and Dramatic Work

• Submit 2 Copies of the Work.
• Demand Draft of Rs (as applicable) per work.
• If in case the Application for registration is being filed by a copyright expert, then there is a need for a specific Power of Attorney that will be signed by the Applicant and accepted by the attorney.
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the author, if in case the Applicant is different from the actual author.

Sound Recording

• Submit 2 Copies of the Work.
• Demand Draft of Rs (as applicable) per work.
• A copy of the Deed of Assignment or NOC from various copyright holders.
• If in case the Application for registration is being filed by a copyright expert, then there is a need for a specific Power of Attorney that will be signed by the Applicant and accepted by the attorney.
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the author, if in case the Applicant is different from the actual author.