Online Copyright Registration

“Copyright” is a kind of intellectual property granted to the authors or creators of original works of literary works including computer programmes, tables and compilations, dramatic, musical and artistic works, cinematographic films and sound recordings. Online Copyright Registration allows you to register your creative works with the Government. It provides significant protection against piracy. which is one of the most prevalent forms of online theft.

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COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION

Copyright, a form of intellectual property law protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture.

Copyright Registration is the exclusive legal right given to the creator of an original work. Copyrights subsist in Literary, Dramatic, Musical, and Artistic Work. The owner of the Copyright has the exclusive right to reproduce, replicate and distribute its copyrighted work. 

Benefits of Copyright Registration

  • Safeguard against infringers.
  • Evidence of Ownership of Work.
  • Right to Exclude others from using the work.
  • Commercial Use of the work.

Steps Involved

  • A representative will enquire about the type of work, whether it is a piece of art, poem, lyrics, software program, musical video, sound recording etc.
  • An Application will be filed online and a Diary Number will be generated. The said number will be informed to the Applicant along with the Public Links to access the real time status of the Application.
  • The work provided by the Applicant will be uploaded online and also be sent by post to the Copyright Registry at New Delhi.
  • A 30-day waiting period begins from the date of submission of the work and thereafter the application is scrutinized by the Examiner of Copyrights.
  • The Examiner of Copyrights thoroughly examines the applications and looks for any shortfall in the Application.
  • If the Application is found in order, the status of the Copyright Application is changed to “Approval” and a Registration Certificate is issued by the Registrar of TradeMarks. In the event, the Application or Work is not found in order, a discrepancy letter is issued in respect of the Copyright Application calling upon the representative to rectify the deficiency. A reply in respect of the discrepancy is filed by our representative with an explanation of the work and Application.
  • The reply is thereafter pursued by the Examiner of Copyrights and a Registration Certificate is issued by the Registrar of the Copyrights. In the event, the Examiner is not satisfied with the reply to the discrepancy letter or any other objections, a personal hearing is scheduled with the Registrar for further clarification.

FAQs

● What happens if you copyright?
The Legal Penalties for copyright infringement are: Infringer pays the actual dollar amount of damages and profits. Infringer pays for all attorneys fees and court costs.
● Does Copyright Apply to Title and Names?
No, Copyright is not applied to single words, titles, names, or 2 or 3 sentences. The same may be a subject matter of trademark protection.
● Can I register my application or Website?
An application shall be registered as a software program by providing the source code and the object code. The website per se cannot be copyrighted, however, the content of the website can be copyrighted as literary work.

● Can I apply for the Copyright of an already published work?
Yes, a work that has already been published can be copyrighted.

● Where is the copyright office in India?
The Copyright Office is located at Dwarka, New Delhi.
● Can I license my copyrightable work and get a royalty?
Yes, any copyrightable work may be licensed and a royalty may get a royalty in respect of the same. A person may collect royalties itself or by way of becoming a member of a copyright society.
● How do you avoid copyright?
5 Tips to Avoid Copyright Infringement Online.
  • Always assume that the work is copyrighted.
  • Do not copy, share or alter without seeking permission.
  • Review and retain licensing agreements.
  • Have an IP policy for your business.
  • Talk to your lawyer.
● How long does copyright last?
The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years.
● Can you lose copyright?
If You Don't Protect Your Copyright, You Lose It Copyright has a set period of time for which it is valid and, unless you take some kind of action, you do not give up those rights. To be fair, the level of enforcement or protection you've provided a work can be a factor in how much damages are awarded.
● What types of things can be copyrighted?
  • Literary, musical and dramatic works.
  • Pantomimes and choreographic works.
  • Pictorial, graphic and sculptural works.
  • Sound recordings.
  • Motion pictures and other AV works.
  • Computer programs.
  • Compilations of works and derivative works.
  • Architectural works.
● Can I use the copyright symbol without registering?
Using the copyright symbol is optional, but it is your right as the creator of the work to identify the creative work as yours. You can register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office for additional protection, but registering is optional. You can use the copyright symbol regardless of whether you register your work.
● How do I prove my work is copyrighted?
The copyright notice generally consists of three elements:
  • The symbol © (the letter C in a circle), or the word "Copyright" or the abbreviation "Copr."
  • The year of first publication of the work.
  • The name of the owner of copyright in the work.
● What is the violation of copyright?
Under Indian law, copyright infringement occurs when there is a violation of any of the exclusive economic or moral rights granted to the copyright owner. It may also consist in aiding or abetting such infringement.  
● Can I go to jail for copyright infringement?
It's certainly possible to go to jail for violating copyright law, as long as the violation is wilful and involves specific kinds or amounts of infringement.