Legal protection for original literary, artistic, musical, and software works under the Copyright Act, 1957.
Copyright registration protects original works of authorship including literary works (books, software code), artistic works (paintings, photographs), musical works, sound recordings, and cinematograph films. Registration is with the Copyright Office under the Copyright Act, 1957. While copyright exists automatically upon creation, registration provides legal proof of ownership and is required for filing infringement cases.
Visit the Copyright Office portal (copyright.gov.in) → Fill Form XIV (for literary/artical works) or appropriate form → Deposit the prescribed fee → Submit copy of the work → Examination by Copyright Office → Registration certificate issued
Fill the appropriate copyright application form online
Pay the prescribed fee based on work type
Deposit a copy of the work with the Copyright Office
Copyright Office examines application for compliance
Copyright registration certificate issued