Last Updated on February 16, 2026
Lyrics are essential to every song, providing emotional content, meaning, and commercial appeal. Despite this, countless songwriters and creators forget to take the legal step of copyrighting their works.
All independent lyricists, composers, and producers should know how to copyright lyrics in India to secure their rights from unauthorized use, potential infringement, and revenue loss.
What is Copyright?
Copyright refers to the protection of intellectual property for original works of creativity. The Copyright Act of 1957 governs what will be protected through copyright for all works of literature, art, music, or theatre.
Lyrics are legally considered a form of literature and are eligible for copyright protection when they take tangible form, such as in writing or sound recordings. Although copyright arises as an automatic right at the time a created lyric becomes a tangible created work, only by having that created lyric registered will that right be able to be proven and enforced at law.
Why Copyright the Lyrics?
India’s music and digital content industry is experiencing tremendous growth. There are many platforms where lyrics can be monetized today:
- Music Streaming Sites
- Movies and OTT Platforms
- Advertising Agencies and Brand Partnerships
- Social Media Sites/User Generated Content
Remember that when a lyricist does not register their lyrics, they may face challenges such as:
- Unauthorized use of their words.
- Disputes regarding ownership of their work.
- Difficulty in collecting royalty payments.
- Lack of standing in court on infringement matters.
Why is it Important for Songwriters to Copyright Their Lyrics?
For a songwriter, lyrics are not just a form of creative expression, but are also considered commercial assets. Lyrical compositions not registered for copyright can easily be copied, altered or claimed as someone else’s work. Establishing ownership in court without proper copyright registration is burdensome and costly.
- Clearly defines ownership of the lyric.
- Provides legal proof of creation.
- Supports the lyricist in litigation.
- Validates the lyricist’s reputation in negotiations related to licensing and publishing.
In the music business today, registered copyrights are frequently the difference between being compensated for one’s work or being ignored.
What Exactly Can Be Copyrighted as Lyrics?
In order for lyrics to be eligible for copyright, they must be:
- An original work of authorship
- The result of the author’s effort and skill
- Fixed in a tangible medium of expression (written or recorded)
The following contents are considered copyrightable:
- Complete song lyrics
- Parts or drafts of song lyrics
- Lyrics from raps, poems and spoken word pieces
The following types are excluded:
- Factual ideas and concepts
- Song titles alone
- Common phrases or words
Although copyright protects the actual expression of the lyric, copyright law provides no protection for the abstract idea behind the lyric.
Copyrighting Lyrics in India: A Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Fix your Lyrics in a Material Medium
The lyrics must be recorded or otherwise written down. No copyright can be claimed in the representation of a lyric if there is no place where that representation can be accessed.
Step 2: Write Your Application for Copyright
Via Form XIV you are to file a copyright application by including:
- Title of the lyrics
- Author’s name and address
- Year and Country of creation
- Copy of the lyrics as mentioned above, and
- Declaration of Originality.
If more than one author exists, then a No Objection certificate must be obtained from each such author.
Step 3: Submit your Application
The application can be submitted online or physically to the Copyright Office. Once filed, a Diary Number is generated as proof of submission.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
The government fee for registering lyrics is ₹500 per application.
Step 5: Objection Period
After you have submitted your application, there is a 30-day window during which anyone can dispute the validity of the application. If no party files an objection during this time, the application will continue through the examination process.
Step 6: Issuance of Copyright Registration Certificate
Upon completion of the examination process, the Registrar will issue a Copyright Registration Certificate, which will serve as prima facie evidence of ownership.
The value of lyrics as a creative asset is undeniable; as such, these works must be protected legally from theft and/or misappropriation. While copyright protection exists automatically, protection of lyrics (i.e., ownership) is established through registration of copyright.
Benefits You Gain After Copyright Registration
Registered lyrics affirm ownership but also give songwriters and creators enforceable commercial power. Once registered, you transform your effort into a legally protected and monetized asset.
1. Provides Legal Proof of Ownership:
Registered Copyright Office’s certificate serves as prima facie evidence in court of who lawfully owns certain lyrics, so if there’s ever a potential dispute over them, the certificate reduces the proof required to prove ownership and increases your strength in bringing your claim to court.
2. Exclusive Rights To Commercially Use Your Lyrics:
Once the lyricist receives copyright registration, he/she has exclusive rights to use and permit the commercial use of his/her lyrics in relation to:
- The reproduction of your lyrics, regardless of which format (e.g., digitally, printed) you choose to use.
- Distributing your lyrics via either physical or digital medium(s) or both.
- Public performances of your lyrics.
- Licensing your lyrics for use in either a motion picture, an album, advertising, an OTT platform, etc.
Exclusive right gives the lyricist authority to allow or disallow any third party’s commercial exploitation of his/her lyrics.
3. Protection from Infringement and Plagiarism:
With copyright registration, you can:
- Issue legal notices against infringers
- Sue for damages
- Seek injunctions to stop unauthorized use
4. Easy Licensing of Your Work and Easy Collection of Royalties for Your Work:
Music publishers, production companies and streaming companies prefer to work with you if your work has clearly registered ownership of copyright.
Copyright registration will:
- Make your licensing and negotiations easier
- Make it easier to collect your royalties through a recognized copyright society
- Enhance your bargaining power in contracts
This is especially important for lyricists who are earning royalties on multiple occasions, i.e. in relation to performances, sync licenses and through publishing deals.
5. Long-Term Financial Security:
The copyright in lyrics lasts for the life of the author plus 60 years. This means the creator or their heirs will continue to earn royalties for a long time.
How Kanakkupillai Can Assist?
- End-to-End Copyright Registration Support – Kanakkupillai offers complete assistance, handling every stage of the process from documentation to final registration, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Minimizing Delays and Legal Risks – Many applications are delayed due to avoidable mistakes such as incorrect author details, incomplete declarations, or missing NOCs. Kanakkupillai’s structured approach ensures error-free filings, reduced risk of objections and faster processing timelines. This allows creators to secure their rights without unnecessary legal complications.
- Custom Tailored Support For Songwriters & Creatives – Unlike traditional filing systems, Kanakkupillai understands the real-world problems that lyricists, composers, and independent musicians encounter. Kanakkupillai provides you with custom-tailored solutions that align with both your creative and commercial vision.
- Trusted Legal Knowledge – With extensive experience in intellectual property services, Kanakkupillai protects your lyrics through the application of Intellectual Property rights under Indian Copyright law. This gives creators peace of mind knowing their creative work is legally protected, has commercial potential and will be ready for the future.
Conclusion
Creative assets, such as lyrics, are incredibly powerful and deserve legal protection. Copyright generally exists by default; however, registration gives your ownership legal backing and commercial value. If you want to protect your creativity, prevent the misuse of your work, and monetise your work with confidence, then copyright registration is an absolute necessity, not just a choice. Take the first legal step by protecting your lyrics and your rights, and then build a successful future as a creator with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to copyright a song in India?
The government fee to copyright a song component, such as lyrics or script, in India is ₹500 per application under the Copyright Act, 1957.
2. How do I protect my song lyrics?
Song lyrics can be protected by fixing them in written or recorded form and registering them with the Copyright Office for legal enforceability.
3. How to write copyright for a song?
Copyright for a song is obtained by filing Form XIV with the Copyright Office along with the lyrics, author details, and the prescribed fee.
4. How to get your script copyrighted in India?
A script can be copyrighted by submitting an application in Form XIV to the Copyright Office with a copy of the script and required declarations.
