It takes talent, time, and effort to compose and copyright a song. Not everyone is capable of doing it. In addition to creating and releasing a song or an album, you might want to take one more step to protect your song: registering your song under copyright laws.
Copyright protection is important for your song, as it is easier than ever for people to use your work unfairly without crediting you. You might not have the voice to fight once your song has been misused if you are a budding artist.
How does Copyright Registration work?
Registration of copyright in India declares that the artist/creator owns their work. Their creations are also protected by exclusive rights. It also applies to the production of cinematograph movies, sound recordings, and musical, dramatic, literary, and creative works. Among the many benefits of copyright registration are the rights of copying, information to the public, modification, and interpretation of the work. As a result of this registration, the creator or author gets a reward in the form of protection of their interest in their work.
Authors and producers of songs now have the opportunity to protect their song’s lyrics and music.
The benefits of copyrighting a song
- Any company or business firm cannot violate your work
- Copyright registration certificates are valid for the owner’s lifetime plus sixty years
- It is a cognizable offence to violate a copyright, and a police complaint will record the violation
- A civil suit can be filed at the place where the owner of the copyright is located upon infringement
- If the owner wants royalties, they must also get permission from the owner before making any other productions based on the copyrighted work.
The documents required to copyright a song
- For submitting a copyright application for a song, the NOC of the publisher/producer/author/composer and all other persons involved in the creation of the song must be presented.
- Two copies or samples of the work that are original and identical. It could be a recording of a song or music notes in this case.
Indian Song Copyright Procedures
Filing the application is the first step
A copyright attorney can assist you with filling out the copyright application with the correct details. An application can be submitted by the candidate or by someone they have approved. The application should be accompanied by the required documents. The application will be tracked once a diary number has been generated.
Checking for formality is the second step
A formality examination or check will be conducted upon acceptance of the application. By doing this, you will ensure that your work meets the essential requirements for being copyrighted.
The applicant will receive a letter requesting further details or justifications if their application fails the formality check.
The third step is to wait
Once the application or request passes the formality check without questions or passes after you respond to the queries raised, it moves on to publication, which allows third parties to object. The objections have 30 days to be entertained. Your application will be forwarded to the auditor for review if there are no objections. You have to go over one more step if there is an objection.
Hearing is the fourth step
Both parties will receive a report if an objection is lodged on the copyright. The Registrar might call for a hearing after you submit your reply. Both parties will have a chance to speak at the hearing. The auditor will further scrutinize your application if the hearing ends in your favor.
Registration granted at step 5
The application will eventually be submitted to the Registrar. Their final scrutiny will also determine whether you will be granted copyright registration. In the event that they grant the registration, you will be notified of the same and you will be able to use your song legally.
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