Software Copyright Registration: Fees, Documents & Process

Softwares can be covered under copyright legislation as it may be classified as a computer programme. Copyright registration can ensure that your original software, computer programme or application is registered with the Copyright Office. This can help you provide proof of your work legally.

The application for the software copyright registration can be submitted online in the Copyright Office website itself. The necessary documents include Form XIV, supporting documents, statements, and documents concerning the software.

The copyright registration software application process involves the use of specific software applications in order to register computer programs with the Copyright Office. According to the Copyright Rules, development of computer programs is listed as a distinct category in the Copyright Office Register.

The Copyright Office has outlined the need for the application for registration of computer programs to come with both source and object codes of the concerned software program. In case of an online application, it is required to file the software work in a PDF format, together with the required source code.

Should your software be trademarked under a specific name, you may consider filing a separate trademark registration application to secure your trademark rights.

If you are the author or owner or authorized individual of the copyright in the software, then you can apply for copyright registration. Your software must contain original work either created by you or acquired through legal assignment or any other valid arrangement.

If the software is created by employees, freelancers, agencies or joint contributors, keep proper records of ownership. Before filing an application, its better to carry out a check of authorship and ownership and make sure that the information provided in the application, source code and documents is correct.

You have to check the ownership details before filing an application, if there are any other contributors to the codes.

For a hassle free app copyright registration you need the appropriate documents. Prepare the following documents and information in advance, it helps the registration go through without any trademark objection :

• Name and address of applicant

• Bio-data of author or developer

• Title of the software

• Software description

• Source code

• Object code

• Documents evidencing ownership/assignment

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from author, if applicable

• Power of Attorney, if applicable

• Form and statements as prescribed

• Other documents as required

As per the Copyright Rules, source code and object code are necessary for getting registration in case of computer programs. The current online filing procedure of the Copyright Office gives specifications about format and uploading features.

The copyright registration for software processes involves some 7 steps. Given below are the details:

Step 1: Understanding the software

Initially, we need to determine the nature of your software in order to classify it in a category of copyright.

Step 2: Confirm ownership

You need to verify the authorship, developer and ownership information regarding the software to establish if any assignment or No-objection Certificate is needed.

Step 3: Filling out Form XIV

Application and Statement of Particulars will be drafted as per the information required.

Step 4: Source code documentation

You will send the source code and object code in line with the requirement to the professional so that they can guarantee that this is unique and completely yours. You can opt for website copyright registration when you have designed a uniquely designed element in it.

Step 5: Upload the application

The Copyright Office’s website helps the applicant to upload the materials necessary for copyright registration in PDF form.

Step 6: Make payments

You will pay the prescribed government fees via the payment system available online.

Step 7: Tracking the application

Once the application has been filed, a Diary Number will be issued for further reference and monitoring.

Firstly, the system will require you to either access or create your account, choose your requested copyright filing service and then complete Form XIV. Next you will need to fill the Statement of Particulars and upload the applicable work-related documents.

The Copyright Office advises the applicant to keep their signatures and other relevant documents at hand to be able to scan and upload them in time.

The copyright registration cost depends on the government fee and the professional assistance fee if you have opted for it. The nature of the application also influences the cost. You can check the current fee from the copyright office. Or go to BrandRegistration.co.in for the latest information.

The length of time required for the completion of processing depends on data accuracy, application preparation and also the documents that's submitted by you. If there are no discrepancies then it will go ahead smoothly.

The copyright software application for protection does not work in a way that one has to renew it every year like a business license. It is the Copyright Act that determines the duration of the copyright.

It is essential to differentiate the validity of your copyright term from the period taken to process your application or the validity period of the registration certificate.

Yes, some alterations of particulars entered for copyright registration for website in the Copyright Register can be made following the prescribed process. The Copyright Office provides the Form XV for applications related to changes in the particulars in the Register.

If you need to change any of your developer or owner particulars or any other particulars entered in the register, you must first check whether the amendment comes under the right procedure required to be used for making such changes.

Unlawful reproduction, copying and other infringement of software that is protected under the Copyright Act can lead to legal liabilities. The remedy depends on the specifics of the infringement.

You should keep your source codes, development details, agreements, invoices, and other proof of ownership because registration is only part of the business of establishing and protecting your rights.

In general, there is no requirement to carry out annual renewals of software copyright registration. The protection is automatically granted for the length of the statutory term applicable to the work under copyright protection, with no annual renewals required.

However, you would have to keep track of your records regarding ownership and the assignment of rights, especially in cases of software programs developed by multiple programmers, agencies or employees.

Copyright registration is done through the central copyright registration website, so it can be done from anywhere in India. There is no need to apply for a separate state copyright registration just because you are operating your business in a state.

Our facilitation team assists applicants in Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and other regions in India with documentation, electronic filing, and tracking of applications.

We are good at providing services related to the registration of copyrights, which is necessary for the software of a variety of sectors, including those like:

• Companies working with SaaS and technology

• Applications on platforms

• Platforms for Fintech

• E-commerce applications

• EdTech platforms

• Those companies that work in healthcare

• Gaming companies

• Enterprise software development companies

• Software for AI products

• Web platforms

• Platforms that provide digital services

BrandRegistration.co.in is able to provide software copyright services beginning with the definition of the category to the two-bookkeeping services. The company is here to help to arrange the necessary documents and monitor submission of the application.

If you think that your software is something more than just the software, you need to know that you may consider Trademark Protection for your software product. And if you have developed some things related to your software, such as graphics, you will need a different type of intellectual property protection for these from penalties.