Golden Verdict
Intellectual Property

Protect your music with Copyright Registration.

Original songs, compositions, sound recordings, and lyrics are automatically protected by copyright — but registration creates an official record, enables licensing, and is essential for enforcing your rights against infringement.

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Pricing tailored to your specific requirements

Music Copyright Registration

Music Copyright Registered in 30 Days*

*Timeline is indicative and may vary based on document verification and government processing.

Copyright Protection for Music Under Indian Law

Under the Copyright Act, 1957, copyright in an original musical work (melody and musical notation) and literary work (lyrics) vests in the author (composer/lyricist) at the moment of creation — no registration is needed for protection. For sound recordings (the recorded performance), copyright vests in the producer. However, copyright registration with the Copyright Office provides significant practical advantages: the registration certificate is prima facie evidence of ownership in court proceedings, it creates a public record of your claim, and it is required for certain licensing and royalty collection arrangements. India is a member of the Berne Convention — registered Indian copyrights are recognised in 179 member countries. Music copyright typically has a term of 60 years from the year of first publication.

Types of Music Copyright We Register

Musical Work (Composition):

The original melody, harmony, and musical notation. Copyright belongs to the composer. Registered as a 'Musical Work' under the Copyright Act.

Literary Work (Lyrics):

Original song lyrics registered as a 'Literary Work'. The lyricist owns this copyright separately from the musical composition — both can be owned by the same or different persons.

Sound Recording (Master):

The actual recorded performance — the master recording. Copyright belongs to the producer/record label (or the artist for self-produced recordings). Registered as a 'Sound Recording'.

Cinematograph Film (Music Video):

A music video is a 'Cinematograph Film' under the Copyright Act. The film producer owns copyright in the film, which includes the visual and audio content together.

Album / Compilation:

A collection of musical works and/or sound recordings — the selection and arrangement may attract a separate copyright in the compilation. Each component work can also be registered individually.

Registration Process

1

Work classification — determine the correct copyright category (musical, literary, sound recording, film)

2

Statement of Particulars preparation — description of the work, authorship details, date of creation and publication

3

Statement of Further Particulars — for published works: publication details, editions, language

4

Application filing with the Copyright Office (online portal + physical submission where required)

5

Diary number issued — 30-day mandatory waiting period for third-party objections

6

Objection handling (if any) — hearing and response prepared by Golden Verdict

7

Registration certificate issued by the Copyright Office — prima facie evidence of ownership

How It Works

1

Share Your Details

Fill a short form or call us. We collect your requirements and all documents online — no physical visit needed.

2

Expert Assignment

A dedicated specialist with expertise in your service category is assigned to your case within 24 hours of payment.

3

Work in Progress

Your expert prepares documents, files applications with the relevant authority, and follows up on your behalf.

4

Delivery

Your registration certificate, legal document, or filed return is delivered digitally to your Golden Verdict dashboard.

Intellectual Property service

Get Your Music Protected Without Any Hassle

Copyright registration for compositions, sound recordings, lyrics, film scores, and music videos — with diary entry and registration certificate from the Copyright Office.

Pricing

Custom Quote

Pricing tailored to your specific requirements

Why Golden Verdict For
Music Copyright Registration?

Music copyright registration involves accurately categorising the work (musical work, literary work for lyrics, sound recording for the master), preparing the Statement of Particulars and Statement of Further Particulars, and liaising with the Copyright Office through the mandatory 30-day diary period (during which third parties may raise objections). Golden Verdict handles the entire registration workflow — work classification, application preparation, diary period monitoring, objection response if required, and receipt of the registration certificate.

Your music is your intellectual property. Golden Verdict registers and protects it.

Expert legal team at Golden Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register copyright in my music?+
No — copyright arises automatically at creation without any formality under Indian law. However, registration provides a public record of ownership, prima facie evidence in infringement proceedings, and is practically necessary for licensing deals, streaming platform disputes, and royalty collection. Registration is strongly recommended for commercially released music.
What is the difference between a musical work and a sound recording?+
A musical work is the composition (melody/harmony notation) and the lyrics (literary work). A sound recording is the specific recorded performance — the 'master'. Both are separately copyrightable. In most cases, the composer owns the musical work copyright, the lyricist owns the lyrics copyright, and the music label/producer owns the sound recording copyright. All three can be registered separately.
How long does music copyright last in India?+
For musical works and lyrics: copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years from the year of first publication. For sound recordings: copyright lasts for 60 years from the year of first publication. For films (which include the soundtrack): 60 years from the year of first publication.
What is the Copyright Office diary period?+
After filing a copyright application, the Copyright Office issues a diary number and waits 30 days before proceeding with registration. This allows third parties who may have a competing claim to raise objections. If no objection is received, registration proceeds. If an objection is raised, the Copyright Office holds a hearing and decides the matter before granting or refusing registration.
How do I collect royalties for my music?+
Royalties for public performance and broadcasting of music in India are collected through Collective Management Organisations (CMOs): IPRS (Indian Performing Right Society) for composers and lyricists, PPL India for sound recording owners. Membership in the relevant CMO and copyright registration substantially strengthens your royalty collection position.
Protect your brand

Ready to get your Music Copyright Registration?

Original songs, compositions, sound recordings, and lyrics are automatically protected by copyright — but registration creates an official record, enables licensing, and is essential for enforcing your rights against infringement.

Your music is your intellectual property. Golden Verdict registers and protects it.

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