Copyright registration
Register copyright in your artwork, logo, software, writing or music with the Copyright Office.
Reviewed by CS Prashant Kumar · Last reviewed 5 Nov 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is copyright registration compulsory in India?
No. Copyright exists once the work is created, but registration gives you a certificate that is prima facie evidence of the particulars recorded.
Should I register my logo as copyright or trademark?
Usually both. A trademark protects the logo as your brand sign; copyright protects the artwork itself.
Who owns a logo made by a freelancer?
The freelancer, unless the copyright is assigned to you in writing. Get the assignment before you register.
Can software be registered?
Yes, as a literary work, usually with the source code.
Is copyright registration mandatory in India?
No. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. Registration gives an official record that is useful evidence in a dispute.
How long does copyright last in India?
For literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, generally the author’s lifetime plus 60 years. For films and sound recordings, 60 years from publication.
Can software be registered as copyright?
Yes. Software is protected as a literary work, and an extract of the source code is filed with the application.
Should a logo be registered as a trademark or as copyright?
Usually both. The trademark protects the brand in the market; copyright protects the artwork itself.