REGISTRATION OF COPYRIGHT

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REGISTRATION OF COPYRIGHT

A copyright is one’s right over an intellectual property of an original work in a fixed physical medium of expression which enables the holder to exclusively reproduce, distribute, perform and display the work.

Synopsis:

1. Introduction

2. Advantages of Copyright

3. Procedure of Copyright Registration

4. Documents required

Introduction:

A copyright is one’s right over an intellectual property of an original work in a fixed physical medium of expression which enables the holder to exclusively reproduce, distribute, perform and display the work. The said area includes anything created under- literature, music, art, photography, cinema, film, computer programming, education etc. 

As comparing to trademark, copyright has an only symbol placed as [©] which is placed on the original piece of work that has been created or innovated. Copyright is developed as the right of an original piece of work of an individual. The copyright protects original works under literature, music, art, photography, cinema, films, computer programme, lyrics of a song, tunes, pictures, graphics, sculpture, piece of architecture, sound recordings, drama, choreographed works, parodies, signatures, paintings, fashion designs etc.

There are various things which cannot be protected by Copyright. Such of these works are- unrecorded works, performances of the improvisational kind, any speech or performances which is not been written or recorded. Works like titles, names, short phrases and slogans, symbols, lists of ingredients, ideas, methods, prescriptions, calendars, charts of same data or information etc. cannot be registered for copyright.

Copyright gives complete right to the owner of the work to reproduce the work or authorize someone else to do it. The owner can also distribute copies of his/her work to the public in any form.

Advantages of Copyright:

1. The copyright registration creates a public record

2. It enables the owner to file for a legal complaint against anyone who infringes it

3. It gives economic benefits

4. It allows to sell or pass the rights 

5. It is the legal evidence of original work

Procedure for Copyright Registration:

Step I: Application

The author of the work or copyright claimant files for an application either physically in the copyrights office or via e-filing on the official website of copyright. While registering, a separate application must be filed with the registrar with giving fees for ach categories of work of copyright. Now here the Registrar will issue a diary number to the applicant.

Step II: Examination

After issuing of diary, there is a minimum of 30 days waiting period in which the examiner reviews the application for any objections. If the Examiner found any discrepancies, he conducts a hearing to resolve that objection and move towards next step.

Step III: Registration

It is the final step of registration. Here the registrar asks for documents and once he is satisfied with it, the registrar would now enter the details of Copyright into the register of copyrights and he will issue a Certificate of Registration.

Documentation required for Copyright

1. 3 copies of work if published, and 2 copies of work if not published

2. Information of title, language of work

3. Identity proof and address proof

4. Email ID & Contact details of applicant

5. If the work is a product, then a NOC from the Trademark office

6. If the work is software, then source code and object code

 

Conclusion:

The intellectual property is a product of mind or intellect of a person. It can be traded, purchased, given and reserved. Copyrights are very aspects of intellectual property, so their protection becomes important in the present day because creativity enables economic and social development.

Copyright protects the creativity of people and becomes a source of motivation for artists, authors, writers etc. it provides the right to reproduce it, right to paternity and right to distribute the work.