The Copyright Office started publishing a monthly list of every application it receives — turning that publication into the statutory notice to interested parties, and opening a 30-day window for objections. A quiet but useful step toward transparency and faster disposal.
What changed
By public notice, the Copyright Office announced it would publish on its website a list of all copyright-registration applications received, on the first Friday of every month. This mirrors what the Trade Marks and Patents Offices have long done with their weekly Journals.
The context: the government moved the Copyright Office under the DIPP (Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry), which now oversees Copyright alongside Patents, Designs and Trade Marks.
How it works with Rule 70(9)
Under Indian law, copyright exists on creation — but registration gives a statutory right and prima facie evidence in an infringement suit. To register, the applicant follows the Copyright Act/Rules.
Rule 70(9) of the Copyright Rules, 2013 requires an applicant to give notice of the application to anyone who claims or has an interest in the subject matter, or disputes the applicant’s rights. The Office’s monthly publication is treated as that notice:
- after publication, applications are open to objections from third parties for 30 days from the list’s availability;
- no objection in that time → the application proceeds to examination; and
- if an objection is raised, the applicant must submit a response/documents, failing which the application is treated as abandoned.
Why it matters
Publishing the applications brings digital technology into IP registration, eases the registration procedure, and paves the way for speedier disposal. Handling the Rule 70(9) notice through a published list is a practical relief for applicants — no longer needing to individually notify every interested party.
The takeaways
- Applications are now published monthly — on the first Friday, on the Office’s website.
- Publication = the Rule 70(9) notice — opening a 30-day objection window.
- No objection → examination; objection → respond or risk abandonment.
- Faster, more transparent — aligning copyright with the TM/patent journal practice.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Copyright Office publish applications? Yes — it publishes a monthly list of all applications received, on the first Friday of each month, on its website.
How does the publication relate to Rule 70(9)? The published list is treated as the Rule 70(9) notice to interested parties, opening a 30-day window for objections.
What happens if someone objects to my copyright application? You must submit a response and supporting documents; failing to do so results in the application being treated as abandoned.
Do I still need to register copyright if it exists automatically? Copyright arises on creation, but registration gives a statutory right and prima facie evidence in infringement disputes — well worth having.
Useful official resources
- The Copyright Act, 1957
- Copyright Office, India