What is 'Copyright' and Copyright Registration?

A copyright is a valid right not to imitate someone’s work. A copyright offers the owner of the element an exclusive right over his work. Creators of 'literary', 'dramatic', 'musical' and 'artistic' works and 'producers' of cinematograph films and music voice recordings can obtain rights over their original work by obtaining copyright license on their efforts and works. Copyright prevents unapproved use of the original work and thus prevents and rewards creativity. A bundle of rights is given to the creators of giving rights of reproduction, communication to the public, adaptation, and translation of the work. Copyrights are guarded by “THE COPYRIGHT ACT, 1957” though there have numerous amendments to the act.

Copyright is distinct from a patent. While in a patent, ideas are protected, copyright shields the expression and not the designs. Hence, while there can be more than one idea, a copyright ensures that the outcome from such approach isn’t copied unless authorised. The duration of copyright in India is 60 years. Copyright can be taken for the following actions: 

• Music
• Books
• Manuscripts
• Films
• Fashion Designs
• Training Manuals
• Software
• Literary Work
• Performance
• Paintings

The Registrar of Copyrights is divided into six categories:

Part A. Literary works other than computer Programs

Part B. Musical Works

Part C. Artistic Works

Part D. Cinematography Films

Part E. Sound Recording

Part F. Computer Programs, tables & Compilations

Factors to consider before you entrust

• Copyright protects the original work of the creators from being replicated by others without authorisation.
• Only creators and authorised individuals can replicate the original work with no fear of copyright laws.
• Original works in a tangible form can be protected under copyright laws.
• It is not necessary to get copyright protection but always desirable to do so because it will give the master a certain set of minimum rights over his work and the assurance that no one will be able to copy his work for a minimum period of time. This happiness will always motivate the owner to do more work and create more items.
• Copyright automatically becomes effective as soon as a work is created. There isn’t any formality to be completed for claiming copyright.
• Unpublished work can also be registered for copyright, but for registering un-publishing work, a copy of the manuscript is also required to be sent with the application.

What are the fee structures for Copyright Registration?

Benefits of Copyright Registration

• Prima Facie Testimony

Copyright protection gives a prima facie evidence in case if the litigation arises. The proof is necessary to attest to anything in the court of law; consequently, copyright registration is beneficial for creators.

• Protection Extended Even Later the Creators Death

Copyright’s assurance is not restricted up to the initial creators’ life span; its efficacy is longer than any other intelligent property. It is secured for the authors’ lifespan and 60 years after his/her death.

• Public Record

When the registration of copyright is done, an authoritative public record is created that helps the imaginative creator to prove his ownership over the related copyright.

• For Listing a Case for Invasion or Infringement

An individual cannot sue for copyright violation unless he/she has recorded copyright. Certification gives the copyright holder the official right to file for infringement and demand for damages.

• Guards Owner

Copyright registration provides exclusive rights to the creator of creative work. The author enjoys these rights over:

• reproduction, 
• distribution, 
• adaptation, 
• dissemination, 
• and translation.

• Brand Value

Copyright registration generates goodwill in the market, which works as a record of ownership and further can be used for the purpose of selling.

• Copyright Functions as an Asset

After the Copyright Registration then it is considered as the intellectual property of the Owner. That is to tell; it works as indefinite assets hence can be further applied to gain monetary benefits.

Inclusivity of Owner's Right

The rights beneath copyright law are divided into two main sets of rights:

Economic Rights: 

• The right to procreate

This right enables the owner to sell, sell on hire, or make examples of the work.

• The right to publish the work to the public

The copyright owner has the right to make the work convenient to the public, i.e. either exhibition, perform or distribute the work.

• The right to modify and translate the work 

The owner can renew the work and reprint it in different forms or over a different medium.

• Right to demand damages upon infringement

The owner has the power to prevent any individual from using the product without authorization. 

Moral Rights:

• The right of paternity

The author has to prevent others from claiming any power over the copyright. The owner can decide and make arrangements for the work, whom to give rights under an assignment or licensing.

• The right of integrity

This is the right owner to prevent any damage or unauthorized alterations to work. And bar anything that can put the honour and reputation of the owner at risk.

Importance of Copyright Registration in today’s contentious Era

Initiating a string of not so recommended does not make a difference at all on the off chance that one has sought after on original thought. Actually, creating a misleading or counterfeited craftsmanship won’t give the kind of happiness what an initial attempt can.

Each ingenious inventor, artisan or a specialist is enthusiastic about preserving the uniqueness and originality of his innovation. On the off chance that you gladly have an oeuvre of your innovative works, for example, literary original copies, music compositions, playback records, 3D outlines, a PC program or a thesis, you may be troubled of societal risks, for example, bootlegging or adjustment of your work without your assent. As to cover every single such danger, the Indian Government has detailed different laws for the security of the Intellectual Property Rights. The Government checks the rupture of copyright through the Indian Copyright Act-1957.