Types of Copyright Registration in India

Types of Copyright Registration in India. Copyright is a form of intellectual property protection that grants creators exclusive rights over their original works. It prevents unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of creative content. While copyright law applies broadly, different types of works enjoy different levels of protection. To know the types of copyright registration helps creators protect their work and ensure legal compliance.
In this article, we explore the major types of copyright protection, including literary, artistic, musical, cinematographic, and software-related copyrights.
1. Literary Copyright
What It Covers:
• Books
• Articles
• Poems
• Novels
• Essays
• Scripts
• Computer programs
Description:
Literary copyright protects original written content, whether in print or digital format. This includes not just traditional books but also blogs, screenplays, and even software code. For example, a novel written by an author is automatically copyrighted upon creation, ensuring no one else can reproduce or distribute it without permission.
2. Musical Copyright
What It Covers:
• Songs (lyrics and composition)
• Musical scores
• Sound recordings
Description:
Musical copyright covers both the composition (notes and melodies) and the lyrics of a song. It also extends to sound recordings, which means both the creator and the producer of a song can hold copyrights. This is why when a song is played publicly, royalty payments may be due to the copyright holder.
For example, if an artist writes a song and records it, two separate copyrights exist—one for the lyrics and composition (owned by the songwriter) and one for the recorded version (owned by the producer or recording company).
3. Artistic Copyright
What It Covers:
• Paintings
• Drawings
• Photographs
• Sculptures
• Architectural designs
• Digital artwork
Description:
Artistic works such as paintings, sketches, sculptures, and architectural blueprints are protected under copyright law. This prevents others from copying or displaying the work without proper authorization. For example, a photographer who captures an original image retains the copyright, and anyone wanting to use that image must obtain permission or license it.
4. Cinematographic Copyright
What It Covers:
• Films
• Documentaries
• Television shows
• Video recordings
Description:
Movies, TV series, and video content fall under cinematographic copyright. This protection ensures that filmmakers, scriptwriters, and production houses have exclusive rights over their work. It prevents unauthorized copying, streaming, or distribution of films. For example, a movie released in theaters cannot be recorded and shared online without violating copyright laws.
5. Dramatic Copyright
What It Covers:
• Stage plays
• Choreography
• Screenplays
• Scripted performances
Description:
Dramatic copyright applies to theatrical performances, whether they are scripted plays, ballet performances, or stage shows. It ensures that the original creator retains control over their work and can license performances to theaters or production companies.
For example, Shakespeare’s plays are now in the public domain, meaning anyone can perform them, but a modern script adaptation may be protected under dramatic copyright.
6. Software Copyright
What It Covers:
• Computer programs
• Mobile applications
• Video games
• Databases
Description:
Software copyright applies to computer programs and digital applications. This prevents unauthorized reproduction or distribution of software, ensuring that developers and companies retain exclusive rights to their creations.
For example, a software company like Microsoft holds copyright over Windows OS, which means users must have a licensed version to legally use it.
7. Compilation and Database Copyright
What It Covers:
• Databases
• Anthologies
• Research compilations
Description:
Even though databases contain factual information, copyright law protects their structure, arrangement, and selection. If someone compiles research data, creates a directory, or publishes an anthology, they may hold a copyright over the way the data is organized, even if the individual pieces of information are publicly available.
For example, an online business directory or stock market database may be protected under copyright if it is compiled in an original and creative manner.
8. Broadcast and Performance Rights
What It Covers:
• Live broadcasts (TV, radio, online streaming)
• Live performances of music and drama
• Sports events coverage
Description:
This type of copyright ensures that radio stations, TV networks, and online platforms have exclusive rights over their live broadcasts. Unauthorized retransmission of live content—such as streaming a sports event without permission—can lead to copyright infringement.
For example, the FIFA World Cup or the IPL (Indian Premier League) has exclusive broadcasting rights, meaning only the authorized networks can air the matches.
FAQ’s 
Q1. What are the different types of copyright registration in India?
Ans. In India, copyright registration covers various categories, including:
• Literary works (books, scripts, articles, software, etc.)
• Musical works (songs, lyrics, compositions)
• Artistic works (paintings, drawings, photographs, architecture)
• Cinematographic films (movies, documentaries, videos)
• Sound recordings (albums, podcasts, digital audio)
• Dramatic works (plays, screenplays, choreographic works)
Q2. Is copyright registration mandatory in India?
Ans. No, copyright registration is not mandatory in India. However, registering a copyright provides legal proof of ownership, making it easier to enforce rights in case of disputes or infringement.
Q3. How long does copyright protection last in India?
Ans. • For literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works: Lifetime of the author + 60 years after their death.
• For cinematographic films and sound recordings: 60 years from the date of publication.
• For government works, anonymous works, and corporate-authored works: 60 years from publication.
Q4. What is the process for copyright registration in India?
Ans. The copyright registration process involves:
1. Filing an online application via the e-filing portal of the Copyright Office.
2. Submission of documents (such as copies of the work, author details, and NOC if applicable).
3. Formalities check and diary number issuance.
4. Waiting period for objections (30 days).
5. Examination by the Registrar.
6. Issuance of the copyright certificate if no objections arise.
Q5. How much does it cost to register a copyright in India?
Ans. The fee for copyright registration varies depending on the type of work:
• Literary and artistic works: Rs.500 per application
• Cinematographic films: Rs.5,000
• Sound recordings: Rs.2,000
• Software (computer programs): Rs.5,000
The fees are subject to periodic changes, and applicants should check the latest government regulations before filing.

Copyright is a form of intellectual property protection that grants creators exclusive rights over their original works. It prevents unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of creative content. While copyright law applies broadly, different types of works enjoy different levels of protection. To know the types of copyright registration helps creators protect their work and ensure legal compliance.

In this article, we explore the major types of copyright protection, including literary, artistic, musical, cinematographic, and software-related copyrights.

1. Literary Copyright

What It Covers:

• Books

• Articles

• Poems

• Novels

• Essays

• Scripts

• Computer programs

Description:

Literary copyright protects original written content, whether in print or digital format. This includes not just traditional books but also blogs, screenplays, and even software code. For example, a novel written by an author is automatically copyrighted upon creation, ensuring no one else can reproduce or distribute it without permission.

2. Musical Copyright

What It Covers:

• Songs (lyrics and composition)

• Musical scores

• Sound recordings

Description:

Musical copyright covers both the composition (notes and melodies) and the lyrics of a song. It also extends to sound recordings, which means both the creator and the producer of a song can hold copyrights. This is why when a song is played publicly, royalty payments may be due to the copyright holder.

For example, if an artist writes a song and records it, two separate copyrights exist—one for the lyrics and composition (owned by the songwriter) and one for the recorded version (owned by the producer or recording company).

3. Artistic Copyright

What It Covers:

• Paintings

• Drawings

• Photographs

• Sculptures

• Architectural designs

• Digital artwork

Description:

Artistic works such as paintings, sketches, sculptures, and architectural blueprints are protected under copyright law. This prevents others from copying or displaying the work without proper authorization. For example, a photographer who captures an original image retains the copyright, and anyone wanting to use that image must obtain permission or license it.

4. Cinematographic Copyright

What It Covers:

• Films

• Documentaries

• Television shows

• Video recordings

Description:

Movies, TV series, and video content fall under cinematographic copyright. This protection ensures that filmmakers, scriptwriters, and production houses have exclusive rights over their work. It prevents unauthorized copying, streaming, or distribution of films. For example, a movie released in theaters cannot be recorded and shared online without violating copyright laws.

5. Dramatic Copyright

What It Covers:

• Stage plays

• Choreography

• Screenplays

• Scripted performances

Description:

Dramatic copyright applies to theatrical performances, whether they are scripted plays, ballet performances, or stage shows. It ensures that the original creator retains control over their work and can license performances to theaters or production companies.

For example, Shakespeare’s plays are now in the public domain, meaning anyone can perform them, but a modern script adaptation may be protected under dramatic copyright.

6. Software Copyright

What It Covers:

• Computer programs

• Mobile applications

• Video games

• Databases

Description:

Software copyright applies to computer programs and digital applications. This prevents unauthorized reproduction or distribution of software, ensuring that developers and companies retain exclusive rights to their creations.

For example, a software company like Microsoft holds copyright over Windows OS, which means users must have a licensed version to legally use it.

7. Compilation and Database Copyright

What It Covers:

• Databases

• Anthologies

• Research compilations

Description:

Even though databases contain factual information, copyright law protects their structure, arrangement, and selection. If someone compiles research data, creates a directory, or publishes an anthology, they may hold a copyright over the way the data is organized, even if the individual pieces of information are publicly available.

For example, an online business directory or stock market database may be protected under copyright if it is compiled in an original and creative manner.

8. Broadcast and Performance Rights

What It Covers:

• Live broadcasts (TV, radio, online streaming)

• Live performances of music and drama

• Sports events coverage

Description:

This type of copyright ensures that radio stations, TV networks, and online platforms have exclusive rights over their live broadcasts. Unauthorized retransmission of live content—such as streaming a sports event without permission—can lead to copyright infringement.

For example, the FIFA World Cup or the IPL (Indian Premier League) has exclusive broadcasting rights, meaning only the authorized networks can air the matches.

FAQ’s

Q1. What are the different types of copyright registration in India?

Ans. In India, copyright registration covers various categories, including:

• Literary works (books, scripts, articles, software, etc.)

• Musical works (songs, lyrics, compositions)

• Artistic works (paintings, drawings, photographs, architecture)

• Cinematographic films (movies, documentaries, videos)

• Sound recordings (albums, podcasts, digital audio)

• Dramatic works (plays, screenplays, choreographic works)

Q2. Is copyright registration mandatory in India?

Ans. No, copyright registration is not mandatory in India. However, registering a copyright provides legal proof of ownership, making it easier to enforce rights in case of disputes or infringement.

Q3. How long does copyright protection last in India?

Ans. • For literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works: Lifetime of the author + 60 years after their death.

• For cinematographic films and sound recordings: 60 years from the date of publication.

• For government works, anonymous works, and corporate-authored works: 60 years from publication.

Q4. What is the process for copyright registration in India?

Ans. The copyright registration process involves:

1. Filing an online application via the e-filing portal of the Copyright Office.

2. Submission of documents (such as copies of the work, author details, and NOC if applicable).

3. Formalities check and diary number issuance.

4. Waiting period for objections (30 days).

5. Examination by the Registrar.

6. Issuance of the copyright certificate if no objections arise.