How to Get a Logo Copyrighted in India

Do you know how to get a logo copyrighted in India? Navigating the complexities of intellectual property rights can often be overwhelming, and this is especially true when it comes to copyrighting a logo in India.

Your logo, being a visual representation of your brand, deserves the utmost protection. This brief guide aims to enlighten you on the procedural intricacies involved in copyrighting a logo in India.

From understanding the legal premise of copyrights under the Copyright Act of 1957, to outlining the steps involved in applying for a copyright, we’ll delve into every crucial detail.

So, whether you’re an entrepreneur, a graphic designer, or a business leader, this exploration of copyrighting a logo in India is tailored to offer you valuable insights and practical guidance.

What is Business Logo Copyright or Trademark?

A business logo serves as a unique identifier of a company or brand, which differentiates it from others in the marketplace.

As such, protecting this symbol of identity and representation is crucial.

Copyright

Copyright is a form of intellectual property protection given to the creators of original works of authorship, such as literary, artistic, musical, and certain other intellectual works.

In the case of a logo, if it is a unique and original artistic creation, it can be copyrighted.

Trademark

A trademark, on the other hand, is a recognisable insignia, phrase, word, or symbol that denotes a specific product or service and legally differentiates it from all other products or services of its kind.

It provides its owner the exclusive rights to use it to identify their goods or services.

A logo used to identify a company or product can be trademarked.

In many cases, businesses opt to secure both copyright and trademark protection for their logos.

While copyright can protect the artistic elements of the logo, a trademark can protect the logo’s use in connection with goods and services, hence preventing other businesses in the same industry from using it or a confusingly similar logo.

Therefore, copyrighting or trademarking a logo not only provides legal protection but also strengthens the brand’s identity and goodwill.

How to Get a Logo Copyrighted in India?

In the United States, for example, the basic fee for registering a copyright online through the U.S.  Office’s electronic Office (eCO) was $45-$65.

In India, the basic government fee for copyright registration starts from around INR 2,000 but can be more depending on various factors.

Again, these were the costs as of 2021 and may have changed since then.

Always check the current fees on the official government website or consult with a legal professional for the most accurate information.

Assets Under Protection

Copyright protection applies to a wide array of creative works once they are fixed in a tangible medium.

Literary Works

‘This includes books, novels, poems, articles, blogs, scripts for films and plays, computer software, and even databases.

Musical Works

This comprises songs, music compositions, and the accompanying lyrics.

However, it’s important to note that copyrighting a song doesn’t extend protection to the actual sound recording of the song – that’s a separate category.

Dramatic Works

This includes the scripts for plays, film scripts, and other dramatic presentations.

Pantomimes and Choreographic Works

This involves dance routines and pantomimes that have been notated or recorded.

Pictorial, Graphic, and Sculptural Works

This includes paintings, drawings, photos, sculptures, diagrams, maps, and technical drawings. Logos can also fall into this category.

Motion Pictures and Other Audiovisual Works

This includes movies, documentaries, television shows, video games, and online videos.

Sound Recordings

This covers recordings of music, speech, or other sounds.

Architectural Works

This involves the design of a building as embodied in any tangible medium of expression, including a building, architectural plans, or drawings.

Registration Process of Copyright in India

Registering your copyright provides a public record of your ownership and can be helpful in case of any future disputes or infringement cases.

Prepare an Application

The first step is to prepare an application for registration.

Separate Applications

If you’re copyrighting different categories of work (like a book and a logo), you’ll need to submit separate applications for each.

Required Documents

Along with the application, submit copies of the work to be copyrighted and other required information such as the name and address of the applicant, the nature of the applicant’s interest in the copyright, and details about the work.

Fees

The application must be accompanied by the prescribed fee, which varies depending on the type of work.

Submission

The applications can be submitted to the Office either online through the Copyright Office website or offline by post.

Examination

Once the application is received, it is examined by the Office. If any objections are raised (either by the Copyright Office or by the public), these must be addressed before the copyright can be registered.

Registration

If no objections are received within a certain period (typically 30 days), the copyright is registered and a certificate of registration is issued.

Waiting Period

The process usually takes a few months, and this time may vary depending on the workload of the Copyright Office and the complexity of the application.

Conclusion

Navigating the path to securing protection for your logo in India can initially seem daunting.

Ensuring that your logo, a vital symbol of your brand’s identity, is copyrighted not only shields it from unauthorised use but also fortifies your brand’s standing in the marketplace.

While the process can be accomplished independently, professional legal advice might be beneficial for more complex cases or to ensure all aspects are properly handled.

By committing to this crucial step, you can contribute to the longevity and success of your brand.

Frequently Asked Questions