We provide end‑to‑end support for filing and registering your copyrights with the Indian Copyright Office and international registries. We manage all documentation, official submissions, and follow‑up actions to ensure your creative works are formally protected.
We provide expertly drafted copyright agreements including licenses, assignments, and collaboration contracts that clearly define rights and obligations, helping you monetize and share your work securely.
We provide comprehensive evaluations of your creative content whether literary, artistic, software, or multimedia to determine its eligibility for copyright protection and recommend the best strategy to safeguard your IP.
At IPVentra, we follow a structured and transparent approach to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) services. Whether it’s Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Design Registrations, or Geographical Indications, our process is tailored to simplify legal complexities while ensuring maximum protection, compliance, and client satisfaction.
What is Copyright?
Copyright is a legal right that protects the original work of creators, such as authors, artists, musicians, and developers. It gives the owner exclusive rights to reproduce, publish, distribute, adapt, or perform the work for a specific period of time. It applies to tangible expressions of ideas—not the ideas themselves. Copyright is a negative right and the owner of a copyright gets the right to prevent others from copying his work without his consent towards a commercial end. However, at the same time it gives to the author an exclusive right for the commercial exploitation of his work.
What types of works are protected under copyright?
The Copyright Act, 1957 protects the following categories of works:
- Literary works (including software and computer programs)
- Musical works
- Artistic works (e.g., drawings, paintings, photographs)
- Cinematographic films and sound recordings
- Broadcasts and web content
Is it mandatory to register a copyright in India?
No, copyright protection is automatic the moment a work is created and fixed in a tangible medium. However, registration is highly recommended as it provides legal evidence of ownership and is helpful during legal disputes.
Does copyright apply to titles and names?
Typically, copyright does not protect titles, short phrases, names, slogans, or factual information. Only original, expressive works are eligible for copyright.
Whether unpublished works are registered?
Yes. Both published and unpublished works can be registered. For unpublished works, the manuscript must be submitted with the application. One stamped copy may be returned to the applicant for record, while the other is retained confidentially by the Copyright Office.
Whether computer Software or Computer Programme can be registered in India?
Yes. Computer Software or programme can be registered as a ‘literary work’. As per Section 2 (o) of the Copyright Act, 1957 “literary work” includes computer programmes, tables and compilations, including computer databases.
How can I get copyright registration for my Website?
A website contains several works such as literary works, artistic works (photographs etc.), sound recordings, video clips, cinematograph films and broadcastings and computer software too. Therefore, a separate application has to be filed for registration of all these works.
Who is the owner of copyright?
Typically, the author is the first owner of copyright. However, if a work is created under employment, the employer is the first owner unless otherwise agreed. In the case of joint authorship, rights are shared accordingly.
What rights does a copyright owner have?
The copyright holder has exclusive rights to:
- Reproduce the work in any material format, including electronic storage
- Distribute or sell copies not already in circulation
- Publicly perform or communicate the work
- Create cinematographic or sound recordings
- Translate or adapt the work
- For computer programs, the owner also has the right to sell, lease, or offer copies for hire, even if they’ve been previously distributed.
What is the term of a copyright?
Literary, artistic, musical, or dramatic works: Lifetime of the author + 60 years
Cinematographic films, recordings, photographs, anonymous works, and government publications: 60 years from the beginning of the next calendar year after publication
Broadcasts: 25 years from the following calendar year
Can a claim to Copyright be registered?
Yes, in India a claim to copyright can be registered with filing an application to the registrar of copyright along with prescribed fees.
What constitutes copyright infringement?
Infringement occurs when someone uses a copyrighted work without permission—such as copying, distributing, displaying, or selling it. Even partial or indirect copying can be considered infringement.
How to stop infringement of my Copyright?
Unlike some other intellectual property rights, copyright is merely a right to prevent unauthorized copying of an original work. The burden of proof in litigation is on the copyright owner to show that copyright exists in the work in question and that the alleged infringer (directly or indirectly) copied the work. If this chain of copying cannot be shown or does not exist, then there is no infringement. If there has been copyright infringement, then court action may be necessary to stop it continuing, and you may be able to claim financial compensation for any acts of infringement.
What is a copyright notice and how is the same displayed?
A copyright notice typically contains:
- The © symbol or the word “Copyright”
- Year of first publication
- Name of the copyright owner
- It should be placed visibly on the published material (e.g., books, websites, software, etc.).
What is the mode of assignment of copyright?
Assignment of copyright is not valid till it is in writing, signed by the assignee or by his authorized agent. The assignment should identify the work and specify the rights assigned, the duration and territorial extent of the assignment. The assignment deed must also specify the royalty payable, if any. There is no mandatory provision to register a deed of assignment of copyright.
