The cinematographic film can be registered as per the Copyright Act of 1957 read with the Copyright rules, 2013. The person who is the author, original owner and the authorized agent can apply for the registration of copyright. https://www.biswajitsarkar.com

1. CopyrightRegistration in cinematographicfilms
The registration of copyright is not mandatory but is advisable to get it registered so that the
copyright owners can file for assignment, licensing and also take actions against the infringing
parties over the illegal use of their copyright. The copyright protection exists in the case of
artistic works, musical works, literary works and cinematographic films. In the case of
cinematographic films, the bundle of exclusive rights is those where the visual portion and
audible portion are synchronized.
What is a cinematographic film?
A cinematographic film has been defined under Section 2(f) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Any
work which is visually sound and includes within its ambit a sound recording with video films
would be coming under the purview of cinematographic films. In other words, any film or
video would be considered as a cinematographic film if it includes visual recording and audio
recording in it.
How to register a copyright for cinematographic film?
The cinematographic film can be registered as per the Copyright Act of 1957 read with the
Copyright rules, 2013. The person who is the author, original owner and the authorised agent
can apply for the registration of copyright.
The application for the copyright registration can be applied by a copyright lawyer.
Additionally, the documents to be attached are:
i. Form XIV (Application for registration of copyright)
ii. Statement of particulars to be signed by the author or the owner.
iii. 1 copy, if the work is published, and 2 copies if the work is not published.
iv. Power of Attorney, if the application is filed through an advocate.
v. No objection certificate, if there are persons other than the Applicant.
The statement of further particulars is not necessary to be attached, in the case of registration
of cinematographic films. The government fees for the cinematographic films in 5000.
The term of copyright protection for the cinematographic films has been mentioned under
Section 26 of the Act, which states that the term of protection would be 60 years.