Getting Copyright Registration done has become very important, because nowadays people copy or steal other's websites, books, articles, paintings or software and publish or sell it in their own name. If you have not got the copyright registration done for your creative work, and if you do not have a certificate for it, then you cannot prove that your creative work is your creativity. In today's digital era, copying or stealing good works has become very easy.

What is the Copyright Act?

A very easy way to understand the copyright Act is to protect your original creative work. This means a book, painting, software, or any new invention you've created through your hard work and talent. In today's digital world, it's very easy to steal or copy creative work. Therefore, the copyright Act is essential to prevent anyone from copying your creative work. Copyright registration is a legal process, after which the creator gets legal protection or rights to his work. The main motive behind implementing the Copyright Act in India was that no one should steal or copy the inventions made by creative people and sell them to any other country.

When and why was copyright registration implemented?

The copyright act protects creative work and is done to save it from theft. The copyright act was in existence since the British era, hence in India, the act was passed on 4 June 1957 with some strict rules and amendments to this act which was in existence since the British era. It was implemented on 21 January 1958. There were several reasons behind the introduction of the Copyright Law in India.

1. Proof of Ownership: A certificate is issued after the copyright registration is complete. If someone copies your creative work and sells or distributes it in the market in his own name. So you can get justice with the help of law, in which a certificate acts as your important evidence.

2. Recognition on International level: Copyright registration provides creators with proper benefits and protection of their work on International level.

3. Preventing theft: This law prevents anyone from copying or stealing the work of the original creator i.e. paintings, articles, websites, software i.e. his music, movies without his permission.

4. Ease of legal action: If anyone copies or steals any creator's creative work or idea, then legal action can be taken against him, this certificate acts as an important proof there.

Why is copyright registration necessary?

You can understand why copyright registration is necessary like this. If your hard-earned creative work, for which you have used so much research and creative talent, after so much hard work, when someone steals or copies your hard work, research and creative work and after putting his tag on it, sells it or publishes it in his name. So in such a situation, if you have not got your work registered under the Copyright Act, then you will never be able to prove that the creative work is yours and someone else has copied it. Many such cases keep coming up in today's digital era. Many people who do not register the copyright of their creative work do not get any benefit from the law in such a situation. Nor can they take legal help against the person who has copied their creative work. Therefore, there is no chance of getting the creative work back nor is the person who copied it punished. Therefore, it is very important to register your creative work under the Copyright Act.

Note : If you know the complete details of how to do copyright registration step by step, then you can read this blog.

What are the punishments and fines for violating the Copyright Act?

Intentional violation of the Copyright Act can result in both civil and criminal punishments or fines, which are as follows:

1. Under Section 63: for the first time violation minimum of 6 months, which can be extended to 3 years, and a fine of up to ₹50,000, which can extend to ₹2 lakh.

2. Under Section 63A: Punished with imprisonment of 1 year, which can be extended to 3 years and a fine of minimum Rs 1 lakh, which can extend to Rs 2 lakh. If someone violates the copyright act for the second time or repeatedly even after knowing about it.

3. Under Section 63B: If someone uses someone else's software, computer program, game or application illegally, that is, uses it for free without paying the creator or without his permission. He shall be punishable with imprisonment of not less than 7 days which may extend to 3 years, and with fine of Rs. 50,000 which may extend to Rs. 2 lakh.

It is mandatory for everyone to know about the Copyright Act, without knowing the law you will not be able to know your rights and if someone steals or copies your creative work then what is the punishment for violating the Copyright Act, you will be able to punish him under that law.

How to do copyright registration online?

You should also know the principles of the Copyright Act and how to register for it online. Copyright registration can be done online or through cybersecurity from the comfort of your home. This eliminates the need to go anywhere and complete any paperwork. The step by step process of copyright registration is given below.

Step 1: Visit the official website. https://iprindiaonline.org/.

Step 2: Select Copyright Registration on the site.

Step 3: Fill out the required details in form. 

• Applicant's Name

• Mobile Number

• Email ID

• Social Category

• Gender

• Are you physically Handicapped?

Step 4: Fill the correct verification code.

Step 5: Submit your form.

Step 6: Payment will be made after submitting the form.

Step 7: After payment you will get a call for OTP verification, after OTP verification you will get a confirmation email on your given email ID.

Conclusion: 

The copyright Act is essential to prevent anyone from copying your creative work. Copyright registration is a legal process, after which the creator gets legal protection or rights to his work. It is mandatory for everyone to know about the Copyright Act, without knowing the law you will not be able to know your rights and if someone steals or copies your creative work then what is the punishment for violating the Copyright Act, you will be able to punish him under that law. You should also know the principles of the Copyright Act and how to register for it online. Copyright registration can be done online or through cybersecurity from the comfort of your home. This eliminates the need to go anywhere and complete any paperwork.