Copyright Law
Indian & Global Protection
Protect your creative works and intellectual property with comprehensive copyright protection
What is Copyright?
Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution. It's an automatic form of protection that applies to original creative, literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works as soon as they're created in a fixed, tangible form.
Key Principle: Automatic Protection
Unlike trademarks or patents, copyright protection begins automatically the moment you create and fix your work in a tangible medium. Registration is optional but provides additional legal benefits and proof of ownership.
What Can Be Copyrighted?
Literary Works
Books, articles, poems, software code, databases
Musical Works
Songs, compositions, lyrics, musical scores
Audiovisual Works
Movies, videos, TV shows, animations
Artistic Works
Paintings, photographs, sculptures, graphics
Software & Apps
Computer programs, mobile apps, source code
Dramatic Works
Plays, scripts, choreography, pantomimes
How Copyright Works
- Automatically applies upon creation
- Must be in fixed, tangible form
- Covers reproduction, distribution & display rights
- Registration provides legal presumption of ownership
Why Use Copyright
- Protect your creative investment
- Generate revenue through licensing
- Prevent unauthorized use and copying
- Build valuable intellectual property assets
Rights You Get
Economic Rights
- Right to reproduce the work
- Right to distribute copies
- Right to perform publicly
- Right to display publicly
- Right to create adaptations
- Right to license or sell
Moral Rights
- Right of attribution (be named as author)
- Right to integrity (prevent distortion)
- Right to object to derogatory treatment
- Right to withdraw work from circulation
- Cannot be transferred or sold
- Protect author's reputation
Key Benefits of Copyright Registration
Legal Protection
Exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display your creative work.
Monetary Benefits
Generate income through licensing, royalties, and commercial exploitation.
Control Over Work
Decide how, when, and where your work is used and distributed.
Recognition
Establish ownership and get credit for your creative contributions.
Impact on Your Business
With Copyright Protection
- Legal recourse against infringement
- Ability to monetize creative work
- Enhanced credibility and professionalism
- Protection in multiple countries
- Asset for business valuation
- Exclusive commercial exploitation rights
Without Copyright Protection
- Risk of unauthorized copying
- Loss of revenue opportunities
- No legal standing for enforcement
- Vulnerable to plagiarism
- Difficulty proving ownership
- Limited business partnerships
Copyright Infringement
Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses copyrighted material without permission in a way that violates the copyright owner's exclusive rights.
Common Examples of Infringement:
Penalties in India:
- • Civil: Injunctions, damages, account of profits
- • Criminal: Imprisonment up to 3 years and/or fine up to ₹2 lakhs
- • Enhanced penalties for repeat offenders
Registration Process (Optional but Recommended)
Create Original Work
Copyright exists automatically upon creation
Complete Application
Fill RoC form with work details
Submit Documents
Provide copies and proof of authorship
Pay Fees
Submit prescribed government fees
Examination
Office reviews and may request clarifications
Registration
Certificate issued (usually 6-12 months)
Indian vs Global Copyright Law
India
- Governed by: Copyright Act, 1957 (amended 2012)
- Authority: Copyright Office (Ministry of Education)
- Duration: Life + 60 years
- Registration: Optional but recommended
- Timeline: 6-12 months
- Member of: Berne Convention, TRIPS Agreement
Global
- Berne Convention: 180+ member countries
- Automatic Protection: In all member states
- Duration: Life + 50-70 years (varies)
- WIPO Treaties: Digital age protections
- TRIPS Agreement: WTO member obligations
- No Registration: Some countries (UK, Canada)
- Formalities: US requires registration for suits