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Trademark Renewal

Copyright Registration

A copyright gives the owner of the subject an exclusive right over his work. If any work is registered by the creator then no other person can copy it. It protects your intellectual property and allows the owner to claim damages and attorney fees. A copyright is the legal right for producers of music, art, melodrama, film and other works. The copyright period in India is 60 years. The copyright owner has the right to allow someone else to use it. Any illegal use, display or publication of the work done without the original owner’s permission is an infringement. Copyrights are governed by the rules laid down in the copyright Act 1957.

Know the basics

Copyrights Categories

The register of the Registrar of Copyrights is divided into 6 categories::

Documents required for copyright registration

  • For literacy/ Dramatic
    • 2 copies of work.
    • DD/ IPO of Rs. (as applicable ) per work.
    • NOC from author if applicant is other than author.
    • NOC from publisher if applicant is other than publisher and work is published.
    • If the application is being filed through attorney, a specific power of attorney in original duly signed by the applicant and accepted by the attorney.
  • For Computer Programs, tables & Compilations
    • NOC from author if author is different from applicant.
    • NOC from publisher if work is published and publisher is different from applicant.
    • Source code and object code of work.
    • DD/ IPO Rs. (as applicable) per work.
    • 2 copies of work.
    • If the applicant is being filed through attorney, a specific power of attorney in original duly signed by the applicant and accepted by the attorney.
  • For cinematograph film:
    • DD/ IPO of Rs. (as applicable) per work.
    • 2 copies of work.
    • NOC from publisher if work published and publisher is different from applicant.
    • NOC from author if applicant is other than author.
    • If the applicant is being filed through attorney, a specific power of attorney in original duly signed by the applicant and accepted by the attorney..
  • For Artistic
    • Search certificate from Trade Mark Office (TM-60) if the work is being used on goods and capable of being used on the goods.
    • 2 copies of work.
    • NOC from person whose photograph appears on the work.
    • NOC from author if applicant is different from author.
    • NOC from publisher if work published and publisher is different from applicant.
    • DD/IPO of Rs. (as applicable) per work.
    • If the application is being filed through attorney, a specific power of attorney in original duly signed by the applicant and accepted by the attorney.
  • Music
    • DD/IPO of Rs. (as applicable) per work
    • 2 copies of work.
    • NOC from publisher if work published and publisher is different from applicant.
    • NOC from author if applicant is other than author.
    • If the application is being filed through attorney, a specific power of attorney in original duly signed by the applicant and accepted by the attorney.
  • Sound recording
    • DD/IPO of Rs. (as applicable)per work
    • 2 copies of work.
    • NOC from various copyright holders or copy of agreement.
    • NOC from publisher if work published and publisher is different from applicant.
    • If the application is being filed through attorney, a specific power of attorney in original duly signed by the applicant and accepted by the attorney.

Advantages of Copyright Registration

  • The owner of the copyright has the right to grant the copyright to another person.
  • Copyright allows the owner to claim damages and attorney fees.
  • It protects owner’s intellectual property.
  • It establishes a public record of copyright holder’s ownership.
  • It helps the copyright holder to sue, if he has registered copyright he could file a lawsuit on either party.
  • Copyright registration can go a long way in protecting your reputation in your field of work which in turn can translate into monetary as well as honorary profits.