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Creativity is rare but saving it from copy-cats is not with Copyright
Common queries on Copyright Registration in India
This is a user generated content for MyStory, a YourStory initiative to enable its community to contribute and have their voices heard. The views and writings here reflect that of the author and not of YourStory.
If you have been wondering about getting a copyright in India, then this post is a must read. In this I will be covering everything that you need to know about getting a copyright in India. Specifically following are the questions I would be answering.
What is a copyright ?
what all can be protected through a copyright ?
why do you need a copyright ?
what is the procedure to apply for a copyright ?
what are the advantages of getting a copyright ?
how much time does it take to get a copyright ?
and finally how much does it cost to get a copyright ?
Fine, let's get started First what is a copyright?
A copyright is right under the law to protect any creative work of yours. Now what all can be protected through a copyright. If you have written a poem or a story or a novel - that can be copyrighted. If you have made a video - that can be copyrighted. if you have drawn a painting - that can be copyrighted. If you have created a software or designed a website - that can be copyrighted. If you have composed a song or a tune - that can be copyrighted. You must have heard many famous tunes composed by A R Rahman did you know that the owns the copyright for all those tunes.
Why do you need a copyright and what are the advantages of getting a copyright ?
Copyright registration gives exclusive protection for your creativity without the copyright you cannot take any legal actions if someone copies your content the most important advantage of getting a copyright is that you can benefit commercially and even earn royalty income. Let me explain you with an example. JK Rowling the author of Harry Potter series was a poor lady and was living on government funds while she was writing the book. Today she is earning royalty income for every book that is sold not just that she sold the movie rights to Warner Brothers for 1 million pounds. Today she is richer than the Queen of England all this was possible just because of her copyright.
What is the procedure to apply for copyright?
The procedure to apply for a copyright is very simple all you need to do is submit some very basic details about yourself and also give the content that you want to protect through copyright.
How much time does it take to get a copyright?
A copyright application can be filed in 3to 5 days after which you will be given an acknowledgement from the government called diary number. It takes approximately 18 months for the government to actually grant the copyright to you.
Finally, how much does it cost to get copyright registration in India?
To copyright a book, a software, a website, a painting or a photograph the government fee is rupees 500 to copyright a video the government fee is rupees 2000 plus professional fees. Its always beneficial to hire a lawyer for framing your case for copyright since legal language is key for any successful copyright.