The Copyright Act of 1957 governs the protection of copyright in India. Protection covers original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, cinematograph films and sound recording.

Registration of a copyright is optional and is a property flowing naturally from the act of creation without the formality of registration provided the subject matter is in some permanent form. This right is enjoyed by the residents of all member countries of the Berne Convention and the Universal Copyright Convention, to the extent of protection given by these countries to Indian residents.

Those seeking registration of copyrightable works shall have to deposit four copies of the work with the Registrar of Copyrights. The duration of protection is the lifetime of the author plus 60 years following his/her death.

Infringement of copyright is both a civil and criminal offence. A copyright owner can seek remedies from the court.

India is a member of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works and the Universal Copyright Convention.