In today’s competitive market, a logo is far more than a design. It is the face of your brand and carries immense commercial value. Ensuring protection through logo copyright registration in India is vital to prevent misuse, duplication, or infringement by third parties. Copyright law in India recognises a logo as an artistic work, making it eligible for registration under the Copyright Act, 1957.
Business owners, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals often confuse trademark and copyright. While a trademark safeguards a logo for commercial use, logo copyright registration protects the artistic expression of the design itself. By securing both, you create stronger legal rights over your brand identity.
Many businesses underestimate the risks of leaving their brand unprotected. Without registration, anyone can copy or misuse your design, leading to legal disputes and brand dilution. Registering ensures:
By choosing to register a logo copyright, you send a clear message: all rights reserved copyright – no unauthorised use is permitted.
The Copyright Act, 1957, governs the protection of creative works in India. A logo qualifies as an “artistic work” under Section 2(c). Registration is not mandatory for enforcement, but it acts as conclusive evidence of ownership and significantly strengthens your rights.
The process is overseen by the Copyright Office of India, headquartered in New Delhi. Applications can be filed both online and offline, making it convenient for Indian and global businesses seeking protection.
Securing your rights involves careful compliance with legal procedures. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:
Before filing, check whether similar logos are already registered. This helps prevent future objections.
Essential documents include:
• Copy of the logo in JPEG/PNG format
• Name, address, and nationality of the applicant
• Incorporation certificate (for companies)
• Power of attorney if filed through an agent
The application (Form XIV) can be submitted online through the Copyright Office portal. A diary number is generated as acknowledgment.
The Registrar examines the application for originality and compliance. Any objections must be clarified.
A mandatory waiting period of 30 days allows third parties to raise opposition.
If no objections are raised, the Registrar issues a certificate confirming logo copyright registration.
The cost depends on the applicant type and mode of filing. The general logo copyright fees in India are:
For businesses operating globally, these fees are minimal compared to the value of securing brand identity.
Although often used interchangeably, copyright and trademark serve different purposes:
For complete brand security, experts recommend registering under both regimes.
The following compliance points are crucial:
Internationally, copyright protection is automatic under the Berne Convention. However, proof of registration in India strengthens your claim abroad. Many multinational businesses begin with logo copyright registration in India before extending protection globally.
A logo is the most visible part of a brand – do not risk losing it to misuse or unauthorised reproduction. Expert copyright assistance covers the entire process, from search to registration and enforcement. Whether for startups, creative professionals, or global enterprises, logo copyright registration in India can be made seamless, secure, and fully compliant.
Yes. A logo qualifies as an artistic work under Indian copyright law, making it eligible for registration.
The copyright remains valid for the creator’s lifetime plus 60 years after their death.
Fees start at ₹500 for individuals and ₹2,000 for companies.
Copyright protects the creative design, whereas a trademark protects its use as a commercial brand identifier.
Yes, applications can be filed online through the official Copyright Office portal.