The Copyright Act, 1957 protects the original work of creators like authors, musicians, artists, filmmakers, and software developers in India. It gives them the legal right to control how their work is used by others—like copying, selling, broadcasting, or sharing it. Once a person creates something original and expresses it in a fixed form (like writing, recording, filming, coding, etc.), the copyright automatically exists. The law also ensures that others can't use the work without the creator’s permission.
Key Highlights:
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What it covers:
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Books, music, paintings, films, photos, software, and more.
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Automatic protection:
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No need to register, but registration helps in legal disputes.
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Duration:
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Usually the lifetime of the creator + 60 years after death.
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Rights given:
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Right to reproduce, publish, perform, translate, and adapt the work.
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Infringement:
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Using someone’s work without permission can lead to legal action, fines, or jail.
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Copyright Act, 1957 – FAQs
1. I wrote a book. Do I need to register it to protect it?
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No, copyright exists automatically once your work is written. But registration helps prove ownership in court.
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2. Someone copied my blog and posted it as their own. What can I do?
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You can send a legal notice, ask for the content to be removed, and file a copyright infringement case.
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3. Can I use a song in my YouTube video if I give credit?
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No, giving credit is not enough. You must get permission from the copyright owner.
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4. Is it legal to copy pictures from Google and use them in my project?
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No, unless those pictures are clearly marked as free to use or in the public domain.
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5. I made a painting. Does it get copyright protection?
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Yes. Any original artistic work is protected under copyright automatically.
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6. I created a logo for my shop. Does copyright protect it?
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Yes, as an original artistic work. But you may also want to register it as a trademark.
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7. Can I remix a song and post it online?
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Not without permission from the original copyright holder.
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8. I wrote software. Is that covered by copyright?
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Yes, original computer programs are protected under the Copyright Act.
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9. Can I photocopy a whole textbook for personal use?
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Making a few pages for study may be allowed under “fair use,” but copying the entire book is not.
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10. I paid someone to write content for my website. Who owns the copyright?
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Usually, the person who created it owns the copyright unless your contract says otherwise.
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11. Is copyright valid worldwide?
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Not automatically. But India is part of international agreements, so your work is protected in many countries.
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12. For how long does copyright last in India?
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It usually lasts for the lifetime of the creator plus 60 years after death.
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13. Can I sell or give away my copyright to someone else?
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Yes, copyright can be transferred or licensed through a legal agreement.
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14. Can I use old songs or movies without permission?
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Only if they are in the public domain—like after 60 years from the creator’s death.
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15. Can I use a few seconds of a movie clip or song legally?
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Even short use needs permission unless it falls under “fair dealing” (for things like criticism or education).
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16. My design was copied and used in someone’s ad. What can I do?
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You can send a cease-and-desist notice and file a copyright infringement case.
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17. How do I register my copyright in India?
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You can apply online at copyright.gov.in with a copy of your work and pay a small fee.
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18. Is registration compulsory for filing a copyright case?
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No, but it makes the case easier to prove in court.
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19. Can two people own copyright together?
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Yes, they can be co-owners if the work was created jointly.
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20. Can I stop someone from translating my book into another language?
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Yes, the right to translate is part of your copyright.
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