How to Copyright Artwork in India?

Last Updated on February 16, 2026

Your artwork represents a legal asset that can be monetised, licensed, displayed, printed on merchandise and used in your branding efforts. No matter if you are a painter, digital creator, sculptor, photographer or graphic designer, ensuring the protection of your original artwork through copyright is one of the best things to do for your creative career.

Copyright law provides automatic copyright protection for your artistic creation in India upon creation. However, registering your artwork with the Copyright Office will provide you with legally enforceable ownership  for use in possible future disputes as well as the potential for unlocking commercial value.

What is Copyright?

Copyright is a right created for a creator’s original work, including forms of artistic expression such as paintings, drawings, graphics, photographs and sculptures. Copyright allows you, as the creator, to control how your artwork is utilised, reproduced, displayed, adapted, or licensed.

Why is Artwork Copyright Necessary in India?

Copyrighting artwork is necessary for the protection of artists and their artwork in India today because works of art are used in a wide variety of ways beyond traditional galleries; they are used on websites, in merchandise, publications, and advertisements, and posted on social media. If an artist does not have copyright registered, they may be at risk of:

• Unauthorised reproduction or copying of their work.
• Commercial use of their work by another party without consent.
• Loss of income from licensing their work.
• Limited rights and less impact in the event of an infringement.

Copyright registration establishes a record of ownership or evidence that you are the creator and have the legal right to determine how your artwork may be used will provide you with leverage when negotiating or litigating.

Importance of Copyrighting Artwork for Artists and Businesses

As an artist, designer, or visual creator, copyright registration is not only the means of protecting your work from others; it also provides you with legal rights in order to exercise these rights.

Copyright Registration Provides:

• Legal evidence of ownership in a court of law, which is some of the strongest evidence available.
• A stronger negotiating position when licensing, publishing, or entering into commercial agreements.
• An easier way to stop copyright infringement and recover damages.
• Enhances your credibility with art galleries, clients, advertising agencies, and brands.

When you want to sell prints, license designs, etc. or prove that you are the original owner of your artwork, registration is one of the best ways to establish your legal right to the exclusive use of your work.

What constitutes artistic works for Copyright in India?

Artistic works within the Indian Copyright Act encompass:

• Paintings and Drawings
• Sculptures
• Engravings and Etchings
• Photographs
• Graphics, Charts & Diagrams

Under the Copyright Act, 1957, the designation of artistic work includes any individual creation of a visual nature that has been captured on a tangible medium, regardless of whether it displays artistic merit.

Thus, as long as your creation:

• is an original production created by you
• is captured on some physical medium
• and displays your artistic expression accurately

A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Copyright for an Artwork

Step 1: Fix Your Artistic Work To A Tangible Medium

Your artistic work must appear as a physical entity and/or in some identifiable format before obtaining a Copyright; examples of this include a JPEG file type, PNG file type, PDF file type, or any printed version of your work. Copyright provides protection for the expression of a work, and not the concept of the work.

Step 2: Complete Application Form XIV

You must make an application for Copyright Registration for Art Work in Form XIV to the Copyright Office and include the following items in your application:

• Title of the Art Work
• Your Name & Contact Information
• A digital or printed copy of the artwork
• A declaration confirming that you created/produced the work yourself and that the work has never been published previously
• Proof of Identity and Address
• NOC – No Objection Certificate if the work was co-produced
• NOC – if you are submitting the Registration application on behalf of another person/entity as their Proxy

Step 3: File Your Required Documents

Besides Form XIV, you may require:

• Soft copy of your artwork
• Scanned identification (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
• Power of Attorney (if filed via agent)
• Search certificate from Trademark if working on goods/services (as per guidelines)

Step 4: Pay the Government Fee

Government fees are mandatory and paid directly to the Copyright Office. The official fee for artwork is ₹500 per creation. Higher fees apply to works used on goods or services.

Step 5: Objection Period

Your application enters a 30-day public objection period after submission. Application continues if no objections.

Step 6: Review and Certificate

Registrar reviews your application after the objection period. A Certificate of Registration is issued, providing evidence of ownership.

Benefits You Gain After Copyright Registration for Your Artwork in India

1. Legal Proof of Ownership – A copyright registration certificate serves as prima facie evidence of ownership, making it easier to establish authorship in legal disputes.
2. Exclusive Commercial Rights – Registration grants exclusive rights to reproduce, publish, display, and commercially exploit the artwork.
3. Protection Against Infringement – Registered owners can take swift legal action, including issuing notices, seeking injunctions, and claiming damages for unauthorised use.
4. Licensing and Monetisation Opportunities – Copyright registration strengthens credibility and simplifies licensing agreements with businesses, publishers, and digital platforms.
5. Brand and Creative Asset Protection – Registration safeguards logos, designs, and visual assets from imitation and misuse, supporting long-term brand value.
6. Long-Term Legal Protection – Copyright in artwork remains valid for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years, ensuring continued protection and inheritance of rights.

How Kanakkupillai Can Assist You?

The registration process may appear simple in theory, but a minor mistake on any documentation or classification may cause delays in getting registered because of too many queries or insufficient evidence for obtaining copyright enforcement.

With Kanakkupillai’s assistance, you will have the confidence that your artwork has been registered correctly and you’re protected.

End-To-End Registration Assistance: Kanakkupillai assists in –

• Preparing Form XIV accurately and correctly declares the work
• Verify that you are who you say you are through means of identification and randomly selected documentation;
• Assist you in retrieving any required search certificates.
• File with the Copyright Office electronically;
• Follow up with the Copyright Office.

Avoid Delays And/Or Objections – If you apply through a qualified representative, you will have little to no chance of rejecting an application or spending extra time in communication with the Office of Copyright on both ends because you will not have the correct physical and/or electronic documentation.

You Can Count On Legal Strength – Our unique process ensures that your copyright registration certificate is adequate evidence in all legal, licensing and commercial transactions.

You are responsible for creating new works, and we will provide Legal Surety through Kanakkupillai’s means by ensuring your newly created works are legally protected and supported in protecting them.

Conclusion

In India, copyrighting your creative work through the Copyright Office converts your creativity into an enforceable property. You also gain the ability to control the usage of your work, stop infringement of your rights, and monetise your artwork. Do not allow uncertainty and/or the unauthorised use of your artwork to reduce the value of your creative output. Copyright your artwork today with Kanakkupillai!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I copyright my artwork in India?

You can copyright your artwork by filing Form XIV with the Copyright Office along with a copy of the artwork and the prescribed government fee.

2. How do I put copyright on my artwork?

Copyright is secured by registering the artwork with the Copyright Office, which provides legal proof of ownership.

3. How to copyright step by step?

Copyright is obtained by fixing the artwork in tangible form, filing Form XIV, paying the fee, completing the objection period, and receiving the registration certificate.

4. What is the cost of copyright in India?

The government fee for copyright registration of artwork in India is ₹500 per application.