Copyright is an exclusive right given to the creator of an original creative work and protects original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works; including cinematographic films; sound recordings, poems, stories, novels, drama, or any other such creation. Copyright need not be registered as it exists as soon as it is created.
Better enforcement of copyright is guaranteed through copyright registration and it also acts as a proof of ownership in courts. Registration of copy right confers exclusive right to make, sell, communicate to public or commercialize the work protected.
As India is a signatory to International Conventions like the Berne Convention, foreign nationals can also enjoy equal copyright protection in India. The general rule is that copyright lasts for 60 years. In the case of original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works the 60-year period is counted from the year following the death of the author. In the case of cinematograph films, sound recordings, photographs, posthumous publications, anonymous and pseudonymous publications, works of government and works of international organisations, the 60-year period is counted from the date of publication.