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If you are a creator, whether writing poems, painting some abstract pieces, or creating those educational videos, how would you feel if someone copies your work and does not give any credit, displaying the same as their own original work? How will you prove that it was your work which was copied by the other person? That’s where the need for copyright registration is felt. To know more about what it means and how it can help you, read till the end.
It is one of the IP rights which protects the original works of creators, authors, artists, etc. from any kind of infringement. The Copyright Law of India provides for the list of works which are subject to copyright protection, and the procedure to be followed against infringement of rights.
As per the Copyright Act, 1957, it is not mandatory to get the work registered in order to claim rights over it. Unlike a trade mark, whose protection more often depends upon the registration process, copyright is acquired as soon as the work comes into existence. However, the process for copyright registration is provided under the Act. Once the work is registered, it serves as relevant evidence before the Court of Law in case of any perpetual threat of infringement. That’s why copyright registration is recommended for works like an authored book, which can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Copyright registration of such a book will ensure that no one enjoys the exclusive rights unless transferred by the original creators.
No, there is no mandate for copyright registration under the law. However, it confirms the ownership of the author and publishers, and serves as a solid evidence of original work, in case of infringement claims.
There are several steps involved in the registration of copyright in India.
Application - The first step is submission of application in the specific format. While drafting an application for copyright registration, one should be careful with all the requisite details and particulars related to the original work. One has to assure that the said application is duly signed by the creator/applicant and his/her advocate, while paying the due fees.
Diary Number - Each application once received by the Registrar is assigned a Diary Number. All further communication regarding the said application is proceeded with through that number only. It works like a contact address for copyright application.
Objections - The Registrar while examining/scrutinising the application raise some concerns or pointers regarding inconsistencies, if any. If no objections are raised, the copyright registration process is continued.
Hearing - The objections so raised need to be catered to and replied by the applicant within the prescribed time limit, to remove any such inconsistencies. The applicant is heard for the explanations.
Scrutiny - Once the objections are heard and resolved, final scrutiny of the application takes place. If no inconsistencies are left and the application caters to the requirements under the law, copyright registration is granted.
Copyright Registration Certificate - When the application gets a green flag, the Registrar issues a certificate signifying the proof of ownership of the original work concerned.