HOW TO GET A COPYRIGHT FOR A WEBSITE

WHAT IS A COPYRIGHT?

 Copyright is legal protection for an individual's original work. It gives the owner exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and perform their work. Examples of work that can be copyrighted include music, art, literature, photography, cinema, and websites. Once you have copyright protection, nobody can use your work without your permission. If someone copies your work, they will be liable under copyright law. Copyright provides an exclusive right and your work is protected by copyright laws. Anyone can apply for copyright protection for their original work, regardless of age

EVOLUTION OF COPYRIGHT IN INDIA

The history of copyright laws in India can be traced back to the British colonial era. The first copyright law in India was the Indian Copyright Act of 1914, which was based on the British Copyright Act of 1911. The Act provided legal protection for literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works and granted exclusive rights to the creators to reproduce, publish, and distribute their work.

In 1957, the Indian government passed the Copyright Act, which replaced the earlier legislation. The Act extended copyright protection to cinematograph films and sound recordings and introduced the concept of moral rights for the creators. It also established the Copyright Board, a quasi-judicial body that handles disputes related to copyright infringement.

In the following years, several amendments were made to the Copyright Act, including the introduction of digital rights management and the protection of performers' rights. In 2012, the government introduced a new set of amendments to the Act, which brought it in line with international copyright laws and addressed issues such as online piracy and copyright infringement.

The most recent amendment to the Copyright Act was made in 2018, which increased the term of copyright protection for literary and musical works from 60 to 70 years after the author's death. The amendment also introduced statutory licenses for music streaming services, making it easier for them to obtain licenses to stream copyrighted music.

The evolution of copyright laws in India reflects the changing needs of the country's creative industries and the global trends in copyright protection. Today, India's copyright laws are considered to be among the most comprehensive in the world, providing creators with robust legal protection for their intellectual property.

By meeting these requirements, a start-up can become eligible for benefits under the Start-up India initiative, such as tax incentives, easier compliance requirements, and access to funding, mentorship, and incubation facilities.

PROCESS OF COPYRIGHTING

Applying for copyright can be done either through online or offline modes. For offline mode, you need to fill out the application form and send it to the copyright department along with the required fee. Once your application is filed, a diary number will be generated for your reference. The application will be examined by the department, and if any errors are found, you will be notified so that you can rectify them. If someone objects to your copyright claim or if the work is already copyrighted, your application may be rejected.

Registering your copyright through an online application is a simpler process. To do so, you must fill out the application form available on the copyright website. Firstly, visit the official website for copyright registration (http://copyright.gov.in/) and click on the "New Copyright Registration" button.

Upon clicking the "New Copyright Registration" button, you will be redirected to a new page where you will be required to create a login ID, which you will use throughout the registration process. Therefore, you must create your login ID on the website before proceeding with the registration process.

Once you have signed up on the website, you can click on the link for online copyright registration and proceed to fill out the application form. This form requires you to provide personal and professional details and information about the work for which you are seeking copyright. The online form is designed to be filled out in four simple steps. Firstly, you must complete the entire form and save your application on the website by clicking the save button. Then, move on to the next step by clicking on step 2.

Next, you must fill out the statement of particulars, save it, and proceed to the third step. In the third step, you must provide information about your work, and the registration fee will be charged based on the type of work. Once you have completed this step, click on the "Next" button to proceed.

The final step requires you to pay the registration fee, which can be done either online or offline mode. Upon payment, a diary number will be generated, which you can use for future reference. After submission, the application will be reviewed within 30 days. If there is already a copyright filed for your work, your application may be rejected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, copyrighting your website in India is a critical step in protecting your original content and intellectual property rights. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can successfully apply for copyright protection through both offline and online modes. It's essential to ensure that you have all the necessary information and documentation ready before starting the application process to avoid delays and rejections. It is also important to keep in mind that copyright laws can be complex, and seeking legal advice from an expert can help understand your rights and obligations. Obtaining copyright protection can provide you with exclusive rights over your website's content and offer legal protection against infringement. Remember, copyright protection is an investment in your website's future, and it's crucial to take the necessary steps to safeguard your original content.