You wrote the lyrics, built the melody and recorded the track. Now how do you protect it? In India, your song is protected by copyright the moment you create it. Registration is optional, but it gives you strong proof of ownership if someone copies your work or a dispute reaches court.
This guide explains how to copyright a song in India in 2026, step by step. It is general information, not legal advice; for a complex case, speak to a copyright lawyer.
One song, three copyrights
Most artists do not realise that a single song can carry three separate copyrights:
1. Lyrics: protected as a literary work. The lyricist is the author.
2. Composition (melody and music): protected as a musical work. The composer is the author.
3. Sound recording: the actual recorded track. The producer, the person or label who paid for and arranged the recording, is the author.
If you wrote, composed and produced the song yourself, you own all three. If you worked with others, decide in writing who owns what before release.
Government fees for copyright registration
The official fees for individual applicants are:
Lyrics (literary work): Rs 500 per work
Composition (musical work): Rs 500 per work
Sound recording: Rs 2,000 per work
Registering all three parts of one song therefore costs Rs 3,000 in government fees. Fees can differ for companies and for certain uses, so check the current fee table on the Copyright Office website before you pay.
Step-by-step: how to register your song
1. Create an account on the Copyright Office portal at copyright.gov.in using New User Registration.
2. Choose the class of work: Literary for lyrics, Musical for the composition, Sound Recording for the track. File a separate application for each.
3. Fill in Form XIV with the title, language, author details, owner details, and whether the work is published or unpublished.
4. Pay the fee online.
5. Upload your work: lyrics as a document, notation or a recording for the composition, and the audio file for the sound recording.
6. Note your diary number. You will receive a diary number to track the application.
7. Wait for the objection period. The application is open for objections for 30 days. If nobody objects, it moves to examination.
8. Respond to any queries from the examiner.
9. Receive your Registration Certificate once approved, and keep it safe.
Documents you may need
1. Copies of the work (lyrics, notation or audio).
2. ID proof of the applicant.
3. A no-objection certificate (NOC) from co-authors, the lyricist or composer if you are not the only creator.
4. A power of attorney if an agent files for you.
5. For a sound recording, an NOC from the owners of the lyrics and composition used in it.
How long does copyright last in India?
Lyrics and compositions are protected for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years. Sound recordings are protected for 60 years from the year of publication.
Other protections every independent artist should know
1. ISRC codes. Each released recording gets an International Standard Recording Code, usually through your distributor. It identifies your track across platforms.
2. IPRS membership. Lyricists, composers and publishers can join the Indian Performing Right Society to collect royalties when their songs are played publicly, broadcast or streamed.
3. Content ID. Ask your distributor about YouTube Content ID so you can claim uses of your song in other videos.
4. Written agreements. Use simple split sheets with collaborators to record who owns what share of the song.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Releasing a collaboration without a written ownership agreement.
2. Using an uncleared sample, beat or melody from another song.
3. Registering only the sound recording and forgetting the lyrics and composition.
4. Assuming a YouTube upload date alone is proof of authorship. It helps, but a registration certificate is far stronger.
Once your song is protected, get it heard. Explore Media Marvels promotion packages at https://mediamarvels.in/promote and read our guide to promoting your song in India at https://mediamarvels.in/blog/how-to-promote-your-song-in-india-independent-artists.
Song copyright in India: FAQs
Is copyright registration compulsory in India?
No. Copyright exists automatically, but registration is strong evidence of ownership in a dispute.
How much does it cost to copyright a song in India?
Rs 500 for the lyrics, Rs 500 for the composition and Rs 2,000 for the sound recording, so Rs 3,000 for all three in government fees.
Where do I register copyright in India?
Online at copyright.gov.in, the official Copyright Office portal.
How long does song copyright last in India?
Lyrics and music: the author's lifetime plus 60 years. Sound recordings: 60 years from publication.
Can I copyright a song title?
Generally no. Short titles are not protected by copyright on their own.