1. 📖 Introduction
Literary and dramatic works are among the most vulnerable to theft, plagiarism, and unauthorized performances. If you’ve written a book, novel, script, play, poem, screenplay, or stage drama, it’s important to register your copyright under the Copyright Act, 1957 in India.
This article gives a step-by-step guide to copyrighting your literary and dramatic works, making sure your creative rights are protected across India.
2. 🧾 Types of Copyrights Offered
The Copyright Office in India provides registration for the following categories:
- Literary Work (except Computer Programs): Includes books, stories, blogs, articles, poems, etc.
- Dramatic Work: Includes screenplays, dialogues, plays, scripts, stage directions, etc.
- Published/Unpublished Works: Registration available for both.
🆕 Update 2024–2025: The Indian Copyright Office now allows joint authorship declaration for collaborative scripts and stories.
3. 🎯 Who Needs These Services?
- Authors and novelists
- Screenwriters and playwrights
- Publishers
- Content creators
- Ghostwriters
- Scriptwriting agencies
- Educators preparing original literary content
✅ Testimonial (2024): A Mumbai-based playwright copyrighted five original scripts before pitching to OTT platforms, preventing unauthorized adaptation.
4. 🤝 Why Choose a Copyright Registration Service Provider?
Many applications are rejected due to:
- Improper classification of the work
- Missing co-author consent
- Incomplete script formatting
- Lack of proper declarations
A registration consultant will:
- Review your content
- Prepare legal documents (declaration, NOC, Form XIV)
- Handle submission & objections
- Track application progress with the Copyright Office
5. 📝 Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official Copyright website
- Create an account and login
- Select the correct category: Literary or Dramatic Work
- Fill Form XIV
- Upload:
- The manuscript (PDF preferred)
- NOC/Joint Declaration (if co-authored)
- Identity proof
- Pay the fee (₹500 per work)
- Application enters 30-day objection period
- Certificate issued post-clearance
6. 📁 Required Documents
- ✔️ Final literary/dramatic work (PDF)
- ✔️ Completed Form XIV
- ✔️ Declaration by the author
- ✔️ No Objection Certificate (if joint/collaborative)
- ✔️ Government ID (PAN/Aadhar)
- ✔️ Cover letter (optional, but professional)
7. 💰 Cost Involved
| Service | Fee (INR) |
| Government Copyright Fee | ₹500 per work |
| Consultant/Service Provider Fee | ₹1,500 – ₹4,500 (optional) |
8. ⏱️ Time Taken
🕒 45–90 days, depending on:
- Volume of submissions
- Whether objections are raised
- Formatting/clarity of submitted manuscript
9. ⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete or draft works
- Uploading poor scan or image instead of typed text
- Not mentioning full names of joint authors
- Selecting the wrong category (e.g., Literary vs Dramatic)
- Ignoring formatting or grammar — impacts claim strength
10. 📞 Call-to-Action (CTA)
✅ Want to protect your stories, scripts, or books today?
📩 Email: opriyatrendingpvtltd@gmail.com
📲 WhatsApp: +91 7588756518
🌐 Website: https://www.opriyatrending.in
We simplify the entire copyright process for authors, playwrights, and publishers in India!
11. ❓ FAQs
Q1. Can I copyright an unpublished story?
✅ Yes, both published and unpublished works can be copyrighted.
Q2. What’s the difference between literary and dramatic work?
✍️ Literary includes books and poems; 🎭 Dramatic covers plays, stage scripts, and screenplays.
Q3. Can I file as a ghostwriter?
🚫 No, unless the work is assigned to you via a contract with NOC.
Q4. How long does my copyright last?
📅 Lifetime of the author + 60 years after death.
Q5. Where to apply officially?
🌐 https://copyright.gov.in
