← All guidesOwn what your team builds
Legal & IP·7 min read
Copyright Registration in India: Protect Code, Design & Content
Register copyright on apps, courses, and creative work—stronger proof in disputes and investor IP due diligence.
May 18, 2025
What you'll take away
- Copyright exists at creation; registration strengthens evidence.
- Software, UI, blogs, videos, and training material can be registered.
- Contractors need IP assignment—even with registration.
- Pelago files applications and tracks diary numbers.
What to register
- Source code and documentation (literary work).
- UI/UX assets (artistic work).
- Marketing videos and course material.
- Logo may be trademark; copyright covers expression not brand name.
Process overview
- Application on copyright.gov.in with work sample and author details.
- Diary number issued; objections rare if paperwork clean.
- Certificate strengthens injunctive relief in copycat disputes.
Shipping product or content?
Copyright + contractor IP assignment reviewed before launch.
Protect creative IPEmployment vs contractor
Employees: IP generally vests with employer under contract and law.
Freelancers: require explicit assignment of present and future work.
Founder tip: Register after major release—version date on deposit should match shipping date.
Pelago IP bundle
Pair copyright with trademark search and assignment template review so acquirers see clean IP schedules.