How do I use the Copyright Symbol?

The Copyright Symbol is an agile and adequate means for protecting any original creation through submitting the necessary details and documents to the copyright registrar. The copyright symbol is printed on creative works or products to communicate the obtained intellectual property rights protected under copyright laws.

The copyright symbol denotes the registered trademark received on the creative works, including music, drama, sculpture, painting, and other creative work. 

The history of the Copyright symbol states that it was introduced in the United States of America in 1909. This provides individuality to the registered copyright. Copyright symbol or specified copyright symbol is the C (©)within a circle following the copyright registration law at every corner of the world. The circled C or designated copyright symbol is used for all creative works but excludes the sound production. A mark of circled P indicates the sound production.  

How is a copyright sign used?

A circled C generally portrays the copyright symbol as © for all creatives and outcomes except the sound recordings. The creatives, including sound recordings and compilations, are specifically designated a precise copyright symbol of an encircled P. The copyright symbol must be expressed consciously and specifically on outcomes or creatives. Anyone should easily find this. 

To publicly use the copyright symbol, the following practice is generally and preferably followed:

• Copyright © Year [Name or any Indication about the Copyright Owner/Holder]. All Rights Reserved. This reveals the year of the first publication of the creative work in the market.
• The copyright owner could be a person, an association of persons, a company, or another organization.

The identification or indication regarding the copyright owner can be the name of the individual or organization or any name popularly used to identify the company.

How to obtain a copyright in India?

Obtaining copyright over a creative work formally follows this procedure:

Step One: The applicant must file Form XIV.

Step Two: For each creative work must file a separate application. The application must be accompanied by copies of 3 soft copies and 6 hard copies of the work.

Step Three: The owner or creator of the creative work must sign the application, and an advocate must countersign it.

Step Four: The applicant must pay the prescribed fees to the registrar of copyrights.

Step Five: A diary number issued against the submitted application. Within 30 days from issuing the diary number, if there is an objection to his work, it is initiated. The copyright officer will reach out to the parties and call them for a hearing on receiving an objection. 
The application file will be analyzed and registered if no objection is initiated.

The benefits of obtaining copyright on the creative work are massive, but to enjoy those, registration is necessary. The copyright registration process mentioned above in simple steps shall safeguard your work.