1. 🎥 Introduction
Cinematography isn’t just creativity — it’s capital, talent, and hard-earned storytelling. Whether it’s a short film, documentary, ad film, or feature film, your cinematographic work must be protected under Indian law.
According to Section 2(f) of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, a cinematograph film includes any visual recording accompanied by sound and includes video films.
🛡️ Copyright protects your ownership against duplication, piracy, and misuse.
2. 🧾 Types of Licenses Offered
The Indian Copyright Office offers protection for:
- Short Films
- Feature Films
- Documentaries
- Music Videos
- Web Series/Episodes
- TV Advertisements
- Animation Films
📢 New 2024 Update: Now digital OTT releases like web series can be registered with simplified form variations under “Cinematograph Works”.
3. 👤 Who Needs These Services?
- Independent Filmmakers
- Production Houses
- Film Schools
- YouTubers and Short Film Creators
- Advertising Agencies
- Animation Studios
- OTT Content Creators
🎞️ Case Study: A Pune-based YouTube filmmaker successfully stopped 20+ piracy channels on YouTube after copyright registration of his short films.
4. 🤝 Why Choose a License Registration Service Provider?
Registering a cinematographic film involves multiple components: direction, script, music, dialogues, sound effects, visuals, and post-production.
A professional can help:
- Avoid rejection due to incorrect classification
- Handle objections from other content creators
- Manage bulk registrations (e.g., web episodes)
- Track progress and provide certified copies
✅ Pro Tip: Service providers also help when registering composite copyrights (e.g., story + screenplay + dialogues).
5. 📝 Registration Process – Step-by-Step
Here’s how to copyright a cinematograph film in India:
- 🔗 Visit https://copyright.gov.in
- Create your account and log in
- Select Cinematograph Film as your work category
- Fill in Form XIV
- Upload the video file (MP4/AVI) or the production script (if film not yet released)
- Add necessary declarations (ownership rights, NOC from contributors)
- Pay ₹5,000 (official fee)
- Wait 30 days for public objection period
- Certificate will be emailed if no objection is raised
🎯 Bonus Tip: For large video files, you can submit via physical hard drive or CD/DVD upon request.
6. 📂 Required Documents
- Final video or screenplay
- Author/producer declaration
- Ownership agreement or NOC from co-creators
- Identity proof (Aadhar/PAN)
- Signed Form XIV
- Public release certificate (if already released)
- Optional: Trademark/Title certificate
7. 💰 Cost Involved
| Service | Fee (INR) |
| Government Fee (per film) | ₹5,000 |
| Professional Fee (optional) | ₹2,000 – ₹6,000 |
💡 You can save time and ensure approval by hiring experts to avoid common errors.
8. ⏱️ Time Taken
- Standard Timeframe: 45–90 days
- 30-day objection window is mandatory
- Add 10–15 days for hard copy or additional queries
⏳ Delay usually happens when video files exceed upload limits or NOC is unclear.
9. ⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading incomplete/edited versions
- Not including music license or contributor NOC
- Wrongly classifying as “literary work”
- Spelling errors in production team names
- Not renewing or registering composite rights
❌ A small legal mistake can delay certification for months — double-check all uploads!
10. 📞 Call-to-Action (CTA)
🎬 Ready to copyright your next film, video, or ad before release?
📧 Email us: opriyatrendingpvtltd@gmail.com
📲 WhatsApp: +91 7588756518
🌐 Visit: https://www.opriyatrending.in
We’ll handle everything — from script to screen copyright — legally and fast.
11. ❓ FAQs
Q1. Can I copyright an unreleased film?
✅ Yes. Even a script or rough-cut can be copyrighted.
Q2. Is copyright valid for web series episodes?
🎥 Yes. Each episode can be copyrighted separately or as a combined work.
Q3. Can I protect only the background music or dialogues?
🎶 Yes. You can separately copyright music, lyrics, and dialogues under literary or musical work.
Q4. Where can I track my application?
📍 At https://copyright.gov.in > Status Check
Q5. Is cinematography copyright different from trademark registration?
✔️ Yes. Copyright protects the content (video), while trademark protects the title/brand name.
