Copyright registration protects your creative work and ensures that you — the author — hold exclusive rights over your book’s content. While your book is automatically protected under copyright law the moment it’s written, official registration provides stronger legal proof in case of disputes or misuse.
If you’re an author in India wondering how to register a copyright for your book, here’s a complete step-by-step guide.
Copyright safeguards your creative work from being copied, reproduced, or distributed without permission. For authors, it’s not just a legal formality but an assurance that their ideas and words remain protected.
In India, copyright arises automatically the moment you write your book—but official registration provides documented proof of ownership, making it easier to defend your rights if someone misuses your work.
1. Is It Mandatory to Register Copyright in India?
No, copyright registration is not mandatory. According to the Copyright Act, 1957, protection is granted automatically once an original literary work is created.
However, registration offers a significant advantage: it acts as legal evidence in disputes or infringement cases. The registration certificate becomes a recognised proof of ownership before courts or publishers.
2. Benefits of Registering Copyright for Your Book
Registering your book’s copyright in India provides several practical benefits:
- Legal evidence of ownership in case of disputes
- Prevents plagiarism and unauthorised reproduction
- Simplifies licensing or selling rights to publishers or producers
- Boosts credibility when approaching agents, publishers, or distributors
In short, while your work is protected by default, registration strengthens your claim and simplifies enforcement.
3. Step-by-Step Process to Register Copyright for a Book in India
Follow these simple steps to register your book’s copyright online:
Step 1: Visit the Official Copyright Website
Go to the Government of India’s official portal: https://copyright.gov.in
Step 2: Create a User ID and Log In
Click on New User Registration and create your login credentials.
Step 3: Fill Out Form XIV
Once logged in, choose Literary Work as the category and fill in the Statement of Particulars and Statement of Further Particulars.
Step 4: Pay the Prescribed Fee
Pay ₹ 500 online through the payment gateway (fee applicable per book).
Step 5: Upload a Copy of Your Book
Upload a digital copy (PDF or DOC) of your manuscript. Both published and unpublished works are accepted.
Step 6: Receive the Diary Number
After submitting the form, you’ll receive a Diary Number, which serves as your acknowledgment receipt.
Step 7: Wait for 30 Days for Objections
During this period, anyone can object to your claim. If no objections are received, the application moves forward.
Step 8: Scrutiny by the Copyright Office
The Registrar examines your application and may request clarifications or additional documents.
Step 9: Grant of Registration
Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Registration, confirming your book’s copyright.
4. Documents Required for Copyright Registration in India
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Soft copy of the book (in PDF or DOC format)
- Author’s ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from co-authors or publishers, if applicable
- Power of Attorney (if filed by an authorised representative)
5. Can You Register Both Published and Unpublished Books?
Yes. You can register unpublished manuscripts as well as published works. For unpublished works, submit a soft copy of the complete manuscript and a signed declaration confirming authorship.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration
- Uploading incomplete or draft versions of your book
- Forgetting to sign the Statement of Particulars
- Submitting multiple books under one application
- Ignoring follow-up emails from the Copyright Office
Taking extra care during submission saves time and prevents rejection or delay.
7. Copyright Office Address in India
Copyright Office:
B-2/W-3, C.R. Barracks, Kasturba Gandhi Marg,
New Delhi – 110003, India
Website: https://copyright.gov.in