Copyright registration is a crucial legal step that gives creators and business owners exclusive rights over their original artistic or literary work. Once the copyright is filed, the Government of India records the details in the copyright registry, and after approval, the applicant receives the Copyright Registration Certificate.
However, the process takes time—generally 6 to 12 months or more, depending on objections or hearings. Therefore, regularly checking the status of your copyright application is essential to avoid delays, respond to objections, and track approval progress.
This detailed 1500-word guide explains how to check copyright registration status in India, step-by-step, along with common status meanings, troubleshooting tips, and how professional assistance can speed up the process.
Why Do You Need to Check Copyright Registration Status?
Many applicants believe that once they submit the copyright form online, the process is complete. But the truth is, copyright registration involves multiple verification and legal stages. If you fail to track the status, you may:
- Miss objection notices
- Face unnecessary rejection
- Delay the certificate approval
- Lose rights if someone else raises a claim first
Therefore, regular monitoring of the application status helps identify issues early and ensures smooth processing.
How to Check Copyright Registration Status Online in India: Step-by-Step Process
The Government of India provides an official online platform to track copyright status. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Copyright Office Website
To begin, go to the official online portal of the Copyright Office, Government of India.
This is where all copyright registration applications are filed and tracked.
Step 2: Navigate to the “Status Check” Section
Once you open the site, look for the option labeled:
“Status of Application”
or
“Track Copyright Status”
This section allows you to track the progress of your application.
Step 3: Enter Your Diary Number
When you submit your copyright application, the Copyright Office issues a Diary Number, which is a unique identification number.
You must enter this number to check the status.
Where to find your Diary Number
- On your application acknowledgment receipt
- In the confirmation email received after submission
- From the consultant or agency who filed the application
Without the Diary Number, the application cannot be tracked.
Step 4: Enter CAPTCHA & Click “Search”
After typing the diary number, complete the captcha verification and click Search / Submit.
Step 5: View the Status Result
The portal will display your application status with full details, including:
- Stage of the process
- Objection details (if any)
- Required documents or responses
- Expected timeline
Different Types of Copyright Status Explained
When checking your status, you may see different types of status messages. Understanding them helps you know what actions are needed.
1. ‘Application Submitted / Waiting for Examination’
This means the filing has been completed and is in the queue for review.
2. ‘Under Scrutiny’
The Copyright Office is verifying your documents, ownership, and details.
3. ‘Objection Raised / Awaiting Reply’
If there is any confusion or error in your application, the department will raise an objection.
You must respond within a given time, or the application may be rejected.
Common reasons for objections
- Wrong category selected
- Missing documents
- Ownership discrepancies
- Similar work already exists
4. ‘Hearing Scheduled’
If the objection is complicated, a hearing may be scheduled. You or your legal representative must attend the session.
5. ‘Approved / Accepted’
Your application has been accepted and is waiting for certificate processing.
6. ‘Registered / Certificate Issued’
This means all processes are complete and your copyright certificate is ready.
You can download it from the portal.
7. ‘Rejected’
The application has been rejected due to incorrect information or failure to reply to objections.
Important Tips While Checking Copyright Status
✔ Check status regularly — at least once every 15 days
✔ Keep your Diary Number safe
✔ Respond to objections immediately
✔Consult professionals for hearings or disputes
✔ Save all application-related documents
How Long Does Copyright Registration Take in India?
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Application submission | Same day |
| Public scrutiny period | 30 days |
| Examination | 1–3 months |
| Objection / hearing (if any) | Additional 1–3 months |
| Final approval & certificate | 6–12 months |
If objections or hearings occur, the timeline may increase.
Common Challenges People Face While Checking Copyright Status
❌ Diary Number lost or forgotten
❌ Incorrect spelling when searching
❌ Technical errors on website
❌ Objections ignored due to no tracking
❌ Confusion about category or ownership
To avoid these issues, legal support can be extremely helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I check copyright status using my name instead of diary number?
No. You must use the Diary Number provided during filing.
Q2. What if I lost my Diary Number?
Contact the Copyright Office or your consultant to retrieve it.
Q3. Can status tracking be done offline?
No, it is only available online.
Q4. Can someone else check my application status?
Yes, if they have your Diary Number.
Q5. What if my application remains stuck for months?
Submit a follow-up request or seek professional assistance.
How VMK Professionals Helps You Check Copyright Status Smoothly
Many applicants struggle with objections, delays, and confusion during the search process. At VMK Professionals, we provide complete end-to-end support for copyright registration in India.
Services We Offer
- Copyright registration filing across India
- Document preparation and category selection
- Diary number tracking and updates
- Response drafting for objections and hearings
- Copyright certificate delivery support
- Legal protection and infringement guidance
Why Choose VMK Professionals
- Expert legal and documentation team
- Transparent and affordable pricing
- Fast processing and error-free applications
- Personal case manager and updates
- Pan-India service support
We help creators, businesses, artists, filmmakers, writers, developers, designers, and content creators protect their work without stress or delays.
Final Thoughts
Monitoring your copyright registration status is essential to ensure a smooth approval process and protect your creative rights. By following the correct steps, maintaining documents, and responding proactively to objections, you can significantly speed up certification.
If you want a hassle-free experience with proper guidance, VMK Professionals is here to help you at every stage—from filing to certification.