Copyright for Music & Sound Recordings
Musical works (compositions and notation) and sound recordings are two of the six protected copyright categories — the composition and its recorded performance can each be registered separately.
What's Included
- Guidance on filing under the musical work and/or sound recording category.
- Preparation and filing of the application (Form XIV).
- Handling of objections/clarifications during examination.
- Tracking through to the registration certificate.
Copyright for Music & Sound Recordings — Step by Step
Draft Form XIV
Title, composer/performer/producer details, creation date, and a statement of particulars.
Submit with copies
Sheet music/notation and/or the sound recording are attached as required.
Waiting period & examination
The application proceeds through the standard objection window and examination.
Deadline: 30-day mandatory waiting period
Certificate
Issued as dated proof of ownership once registration is complete.
Documents & Inputs Required
- Copies of the composition/notation and/or sound recording.
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN).
- Proof of ownership (assignment/publishing agreement where applicable).
Copyright for Music & Sound Recordings — Common Questions
Are the composition and the recording protected separately?
Yes — a musical work (the composition/notation) and a sound recording (the recorded performance) are distinct copyright categories and can be registered separately.
Who owns the copyright if multiple people were involved?
It depends on the agreement between composer, performer, and producer — we advise on documenting ownership correctly before filing.
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