COPYRIGHTS

Indian copyright law is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957, which provides protection to original works of authorship across literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic domains, as well as cinematograph films and sound recordings. The law recognizes copyright as a bundle of exclusive rights—including reproduction, communication to the public, adaptation, and translation—granted to creators for their original works.

Key highlights include:

· Automatic Protection: Copyright arises the moment an original work is created. Registration is not mandatory, but a certificate serves as prima facie evidence in legal disputes.

· Scope of Protection: The Act protects the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves. Titles, slogans, and short phrases are generally not copyrightable.

· Eligible Works: Includes books, music, paintings, software (as literary works), websites (component-wise), and even unpublished manuscripts.

· Software & Apps: Computer programs and apps can be registered under the literary works category, with submission of both source and object code.

· Registration Process: Applications are filed using Form XIV, with a mandatory 30-day waiting period for objections. Both online and offline filing options are available.

· Copyright Societies: Collective management organizations like IPRS, IRRO, and ISRA administer licensing and royalty collection for specific categories of works.

· Exemptions: Use of copyrighted works in bona fide religious ceremonies, including weddings, does not require a license under Section 52(1)(za).

The Act aims to foster creativity by ensuring legal protection and economic incentives for creators, thereby contributing to cultural and intellectual growth.