Copyright is a right given by the law to creators of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works and producers of cinematograph films and sound recordings. Unlike the case with patents, copyright protects the expressions and not the ideas. There is no copyright in an idea. Copyright vests in the author of a work once the work is created in a material form. The author must have written down or recorded the creation in a material form for copyright to come into existence. In general, any original work made by a person is eligible for copyright protection. Originality refers to the fact that the author must have created the work through the application of the author’s own creativity and labour. In addition, the work that is to enjoy copyright protection must have been reduced to a material form. Copyright comes into existence as soon as a work is created and no formality is required to be completed for acquiring copyright. Acquisition of copyright is automatic and it does not require any formality. However, certificate of registration of copyright and the entries made therein serve as prima facie evidence in a court of law with reference to dispute relating to ownership of copyright.

Filing Requirements:

The procedure for registration is as follows:

• Application for registration is to be made on Form IV ( Including Statement of Particulars and Statement of Further Particulars) as prescribed in the first schedule to the Rules.
• Separate applications should be made for registration of each work.
• Each application should be accompanied by the requisite fee.
• The applications should be signed by the Applicant.
• The Power of Attorney signed by the party and accepted by the Advocate should also be enclosed.