After you file a copyright application for your creative work, a book, software, film, song, or any artistic work, the process doesn’t end there. The Copyright Office examines and validates (and also sees if something is registered) to grant you copyright registration.
The best way to track whether the application is in the review process is to check your application status online. If you have been assigned an application number, you can check its status online yourself, which tells you whether your copyright has been accepted, whether there are any objections to it, and whether you need any additional documents.
In this blog, we outline how to check copyright application status online, what everything means for each stage of your copyright application, and what to do if your application has been objected to or delayed.
Introduction
Copyright gives inventors exclusive rights to their original works. In India, copyright is registered under the Copyright Act 1957, and is managed by the Copyright Office in the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
The application process is primarily online today. After you have submitted your application, the Copyright Office will assign a Diary Number (a tracking number). You can then check the status of your copyright application online through the official portal by entering the Diary Number.
Why It’s Important to Track Copyright Status?
Monitoring your application status helps you –
- Avoid Missed Deadlines: If the office raises objections, you may have to respond within a given time.
- Ensure Timely Updates: Sometimes, additional documents are required for verification.
- Check Progress: Copyrights can take months to approve, so tracking keeps you informed.
- Plan Commercial Use: For businesses, knowing when rights are granted helps in licensing, publishing, and distribution.
- Address Objections Early: If someone files opposition, you can act immediately.
Steps Guide to Check Copyright Application Status Online
Step 1: Visit the Official Copyright Office Website
Go to the Government of India Copyright Office portal at https://copyright.gov.in/
Step 2: Navigate to “Status of Application”
On the homepage, you will see a tab labelled “Status of Application”. Click on it to open the search page.
Step 3: Enter Your Diary Number
- Enter the Diary Number received when you filed your copyright application.
- If you do not have it, check the acknowledgement slip or email confirmation sent after filing.
Step 4: View Application Details
Once you submit, the portal displays –
- Applicant Name
- Title of Work
- Category of Work (literary, musical, artistic, cinematograph, software, etc.)
- Date of Filing
- Current Status
Step 5: Interpret the Status
The status could be one of the following –
- Filed – Your application has been received.
- Waiting for Examination – Pending initial review.
- Formalities Check Pass/Fail – Indicates whether all required documents are complete.
- Examined – Application is under examination by an officer.
- Objection Raised – Either by the examiner (office objection) or by a third party.
- Hearing Scheduled – If objections/disputes need to be resolved.
- Registered – Copyright successfully granted.
- Refused/Abandoned – Application rejected due to legal or technical issues.
What Each Status Means
- Filed
This means your application has been accepted by the system and a diary number has been generated. No examination has started yet.
- Waiting for Examination
The Copyright Office usually waits for 30 days after filing to allow any third-party objections.
- Formalities Check Pass/Fail
- Pass – All documents are in order.
- Fail – Some documents are missing or incorrect. You may need to resubmit.
- Examined
An evaluator assesses conformity with copyright legislation when they review your application. They assess originality and check the work is in the correct category.
- Objection Raised
Two types of objections:
- Office Objection – Raised by the examiner (e.g., unclear work description, improper category).
- Third-Party Objection – Raised by someone claiming rights over the same work.
- Hearing Scheduled
If objections aren’t resolved through written replies, a hearing may be scheduled where both sides present arguments.
- Registered
Once cleared, your work is officially entered in the copyright register. You will receive a Certificate of Registration.
- Refused/Abandoned
If objections are not addressed or the examiner finds the work ineligible, the application is rejected.
Common Problems Concerning Copyright Status and Possible Solutions
- Failed Formalities Check
- Recheck all application details, including names, documents, etc.
- Submit any missing documents (NOC, copies of work, ID proof).
- Objection by the Office of Copyrights
- File a written reply to the Office of Copyrights setting out your reasons to refute the examiner’s concerns.
- Submit further clarifications or copies of additional documents.
- Objection by a third party
- You will have to prove originality.
- Consult a lawyer if the appropriation is complicated.
- Hearing Stage
- Either appear by yourself or an appointed representative.
- Present your case showing evidence of your authorship.
Points for Easy Copyright Registration
- Submit complete documents – Incomplete documents will cause a delay.
- Keep the Diary Number saved – Can’t check status without it.
- Respond within the timeline – reply within the timeline mentioned.
- Check status from time to time – Do not wait to receive notices.
- If it is complicated work, such as software or films, hire people to help you in this process and expedite the registration process.
Legal Considerations
- Copyright registration in India is optional, but a copyright certificate helps to show you stronger legal claims.
- If someone infringed on your original work, registration becomes evidence in a court of law.
- Copyright rights exist from the date of creation of the work, not the date of registration. However, registration helps in enforcement.
- You can use © with your name and the year you created the work before your application for registration is approved, even while your application for registration is pending.
Conclusion
It is simple to check the current status of your copyright application online, but the tracking of status should never be underestimated. It is important because it helps keep you always updated on the progression of your application, and can expedite the resolution process if an objection has been raised, in order for you to get your work registered. You are able to stay on top of your copyright application and obtain protection as quickly as possible without unnecessary delays.
Just remember to always track your copyright application by entering your Diary Number, and identify exactly what each status means and when to take the appropriate action after an objection has been filed.
With consistent activation of the Diary system and the right documentation, you should soon have a copyright registration and be able to protect your creative work for many more years.
References
The Copyright Act, 1957 (14 of 1957)
https://copyright.gov.in/
