Copyright is a right given by the law to creators of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works and producers of cinematographic films and sound recordings. This right includes the rights of reproduction, communication to the public, adaptation and translation of the work. Copyright ensures certain minimum safeguards of the rights of authors over their creations, thereby protecting and rewarding creativity. Creativity being the keystone of progress, no civilized society can afford to ignore the basic requirement of encouraging the same. Economic and social development of a society is dependent on creativity. The protection provided by copyright to the efforts of writers, artists, designers, dramatists, musicians, architects and producers of sound recordings, cinematographic films and computer software, creates an atmosphere conducive to creativity, which induces them to create more and motivates others to create.

 Acquisition of copyright is automatic and it does not require any formality. Copyright comes into existence as soon as a work is created and no formality is required to be completed for acquiring copyright. However, certificate of registration of copyright and the entries made therein serve as prima facie evidence in a court of law with reference to dispute relating to ownership of copyright. The procedure for registration is as follows: 

a) Application for registration is to be made on Form XIV ( Including Statement of Particulars and Statement of Further Particulars) as prescribed in the first schedule to the Rules ; 
b) Separate applications should be made for registration of each work; 
c) Each application should be accompanied by the requisite fee prescribed in the second schedule to the Rules ; 
d) The applications should be signed by the applicant. The Power of Attorney signed by the party and accepted by the advocate should also be enclosed, if applicable.
e) The fee is to be paid either in the form of Demand Draft or Indian Postal Order favouring “Registrar Of Copyrights Payable At New Delhi” or through E payment Each and every column of the Statement of Particulars and Statement of Further Particulars should be replied specifically.