Copyright Registration, Enforcement & Licensing

Copyright protects original literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works and cinematograph films, sound recordings, and software. Registering a copyright strengthens your legal position for enforcement, licensing and commercialisation.

What Can Be Registered?

Registration Process & Timeline

1. Determine authorship and ownership (employee works, commissioned works, transfers).
2. Prepare application with copies of the work and statement of particulars.
3. File application at the Copyright Office; obtain diary number and proceed through objections if any.
4. Registration certificate issued after formalities; typical timeline ranges from 2–6 months depending on objections and workload.

Infringement & Enforcement

Infringement occurs when a third party uses a protected work without authorization. Remedies include injunctions, damages, accounts of profits and criminal action in certain cases (e.g., intentional piracy).

Intermediary Liability & Takedown

For online infringements, notice-and-takedown procedures under intermediary liability provisions are key. We draft DMCA-style takedown notices, coordinate with platforms, and prepare counter-notices when appropriate.

Licensing, Assignment & Royalties

We draft licensing agreements, assignment deeds and royalty frameworks. Common clauses include territorial scope, exclusivity, sublicensing, audit rights and termination triggers.

Practical Tips to Protect Your Work

• Document creation process and maintain drafts with timestamps.
• Use watermarking and metadata for digital files.
• Register early where commercialisation or enforcement is likely.

Fees & Service Packages

Arbitration & Matrimonial Intersections

Copyright disputes may be subject to contractual arbitration clauses (e.g., publishing agreements). Matrimonial disputes can also have copyright angles (ownership of creative works) — we coordinate strategy across family law and IP where necessary.

Sample Cease & Desist / Takedown Workflow

1. Identify infringing URL/platform and gather screenshot evidence.
2. Send formal cease & desist / takedown notice with proof of ownership.
3. Request platform to remove or disable access; follow with legal proceedings if not complied with.

Case Studies

Author vs Publisher: Resolved a dispute over ebook royalties and ensured proper accounting plus a revised licensing schedule. Digital Artist: Achieved takedown of pirated images across marketplaces and secured damages via settlement.

FAQs