Copyright Registration
Copyright grants exclusive rights over literary works, theatrical performances, music, visual arts, audio recordings, and other creative works. Registering a copyright provides legal protection and ensures ownership rights over content, including reproduction, public dissemination, adaptation, and translation. This intellectual property protection safeguards creators' rights, allowing them to control, monetize, and prevent unauthorized use of their works while fostering innovation and originality in creative industries.
Copyright protection applies to a wide range of creative works, including literature, drama, music, visual arts, films, and audio recordings. Under the Copyright Act, works are classified into three main categories, each with distinct rights:
- Literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works are eligible for copyright protection, covering creations such as books, musical compositions, paintings, and sculptures.
- Cinematic works form another category, including any visual recordings, regardless of the medium used for recording.
- Sound recordings are a distinct category, encompassing audio recordings, irrespective of the recording format or production method.
- The creators enjoy legal protection when their work is reproduced without authorization. Registering a copyright simplifies the process of safeguarding the original work against infringement, ensuring that creators can take legal action if necessary.
- Copyright registration creates a public record, serving as proof of ownership for the creative work. This official recognition strengthens the creator’s rights and prevents unauthorized usage or duplication.
- The owner of a registered copyright gains exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, adapt, and translate their work, maintaining full control over its use and commercialization.
Copyright registration applications can be submitted on Form IV along with the required fees. It can be copyrighted whether it is a published or unpublished work. Three copies of published material must be supplied with the application for published work.
