Complete 2026 guide to copyright registration in India: eligible works, Form XIV, official fees, documents, 30-day objection period and tracking.
Last verified: 28 September 2026. Copyright applications continue to be filed with the Copyright Office using Form XIV. Official fees depend on the work type, and applications are exposed to a 30-day objection period through the Copyright Office workflow.
Copyright protects original creative expression such as books, software code, artwork, music, films and sound recordings. Registration is not mandatory for copyright to arise in every protected work, but it creates an official Register entry and can strengthen documentation of ownership.
Common categories include:
A brand logo may involve both copyright and trademark considerations.
The Copyright Rules’ Second Schedule currently lists:
| Work type | Registration fee |
|---|---|
| Literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work | ₹500 per work |
| Artistic work used/capable of being used with goods or services | ₹2,000 per work |
| Cinematograph film | ₹5,000 per work |
| Sound recording | ₹2,000 per work |
Government fee is separate from professional assistance.
The exact set depends on the work and ownership structure.
Prepare:
Copyright Registration
Identify work category
Choose the correct copyright class.
Prepare ownership records
Confirm author, owner, assignments and publication details.
File Form XIV
Submit through the Copyright Office e-filing system.
Pay fee
Use the amount applicable to the work category.
Upload work/documents
Follow current portal upload instructions.
Save Diary Number
Use it to track the application.
Objection stage
Application is subject to the public objection process.
Examination
Respond to discrepancies or objections if issued.
Registration
If accepted, particulars are entered in the Register of Copyrights.
The Copyright Office currently publishes waiting applications and states that objections may be made within 30 days of publication.
This means a website promising guaranteed registration in a few days is not giving a realistic picture of the formal process.
The Copyright Office provides online tools for:
Keep the Diary Number and periodically check the portal.
Computer programs are generally treated as literary works for copyright purposes.
For a software application, careful ownership documentation is important where:
Copyright registration does not magically transfer rights from a developer to a company; ownership should be documented correctly.
If an artistic work is used or capable of being used in connection with goods or services, the special artistic-work fee and trademark-related requirements can apply.
This is important for logos and commercial brand artwork.
| Copyright | Trademark |
|---|---|
| Protects original expression | Protects source-identifying brand signs |
| Can arise automatically | Strong statutory rights generally depend on registration/use |
| Covers art, text, code, music etc. | Covers brand names, logos, marks in goods/services classes |
| Registration through Copyright Office | Registration through Trade Marks Registry |
A logo may qualify for both, depending on facts.
TaxQue can assist with copyright application preparation and filing support.
Copyright Registration Service
Information note: Ownership, employment and assignment questions are fact-specific. Registration does not replace proper contracts.
This article is published by TaxQue (ARB FinTech LLP) for general informational, educational, and business guidance purposes only. Tax laws, GST rules, MCA circulars, and judicial precedents are subject to frequent statutory revisions. This content does not constitute formal individualized tax, accounting, or legal counsel.
Comments are moderated. Only English and Hindi comments from verified Indian users are published.
Before you spend on a patent application, find out whether your invention is already known. A good prior-art search can be done with free tools: the Indian Patent Office's own data…
Founders often hear that software can't be patented in India. That's half right. Section 3(k) of the Patents Act excludes a computer programme "per se", but an app or system that s…
You can check any Indian patent application's status free on the IP India patent search using its application number. The status tells you where the application is in a long proces…
From company registration and GST filings to annual MCA audits and tax planning, TaxQue provides complete consulting solutions for startups and enterprises.
Get expert tax tips, GST updates & compliance guides delivered to your inbox.
🔒 No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
