How to copyright a logo in India?

File Form XIV at copyright.gov.in under Section 45 of the Copyright Act, 1957. The logo must have artistic or creative graphic elements to qualify as 'artistic work' under Section 2(c). Attach a high-resolution image, obtain a Form TC/TC-60 certificate from the Trademark Registrar (if used commercially), pay Rs 500, and wait for the 30-day objection period and examiner review. Total time: 2-3 months.

What is the difference between logo copyright and trademark?

Logo copyright protects the artistic expression - graphic elements, illustration, and creative composition under the Copyright Act, 1957. Logo trademark protects the logo as a commercial brand identifier distinguishing your goods or services under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Copyright is universal across industries; trademark is class-specific. Copyright lasts lifetime + 60 years; trademark lasts 10 years renewable. Both should be registered for comprehensive protection.

Logo ka copyright kaise karaye - brand logo copyright process kya hai?

Logo ka copyright karne ke liye copyright.gov.in par Form XIV file karo. Logo ki high-quality image attach karo. Agar logo kisi product ya service ke saath use hota hai toh Trademark Registrar se Form TC/TC-60 certificate lo. Government fee Rs 500 jama karo. 30 din ka objection period hoga, phir Copyright Office Registration Certificate dega. Trademark bhi saath mein file karo. Patron Accounting dono registration handle karta hai - call karo +91 945 945 6700.

Can a simple text logo be copyrighted?

A simple text-only logo in a standard font without any creative design elements may not meet the originality threshold for copyright under Section 2(c). However, a text logo with stylised lettering, custom typography, graphic embellishments, or artistic arrangement can qualify. For plain-text logos, trademark registration provides the primary protection. Patron Accounting assesses eligibility for both.

How long does logo copyright last in India?

Copyright in a logo lasts for the creator's lifetime plus 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year following the year of the creator's death under Section 22. If commissioned under Section 17(c), the duration is still calculated from the death of the individual creator. Trademark protection lasts 10 years and is renewable indefinitely.

Logo copyright aur trademark mein kya fark hai?

Copyright logo ke artistic design ko protect karta hai - drawing, illustration, aur graphic composition. Trademark logo ko ek brand identifier ke roop mein protect karta hai - jisse aapke goods ya services doosron se alag dikhte hain. Copyright lifetime + 60 saal tak rehta hai. Trademark 10 saal ka hota hai lekin unlimited baar renew ho sakta hai. Dono karna chahiye - Patron Accounting dual registration package deta hai.

Trusted by 10,000+ Businesses

Logo Copyright Registration in India

Q: Is trademark registration required before logo copyright?

Trademark registration itself is not required before copyright filing. However, for logos used commercially with goods or services, the Copyright Office requires a Form TC/TC-60 certificate from the Registrar of Trade Marks confirming no conflicting trademark exists in another person's name. This is a clearance certificate, not a requirement to register the trademark first.

Q: Should I trademark or copyright my logo first?

Both can be filed simultaneously. If you must prioritise, trademark should come first for commercial brand protection, as it prevents competitors from using a similar logo for their goods or services. Copyright can be filed alongside or shortly after. In practice, Patron Accounting files both applications in parallel - the copyright completes in 2-3 months while the trademark takes 12-18 months. Quick Answers Q: Who owns copyright in a logo designed by a freelancer? A: Under Section 17(c), if commissioned for valuable consideration, the commissioner (business) is first owner unless agreed otherwise. Q: Can I copyright a trademarked logo? A: Yes. Copyright and trademark are separate registrations. A trademarked logo can also be copyright-registered if it has artistic elements. Q: Is the copyright symbol mandatory? A: Not mandatory in India (Berne Convention). But displaying it deters infringers and eliminates the 'innocent infringement' defence. Q: What if my logo is on thousands of products - Section 15? A: If reproduced 50+ times by industrial process, copyright ceases. Consider design registration under Designs Act, 2000.

Reviewed by CA and CS Team, Patron Accounting LLP ICAI & ICSI Registered| 15+ Years Experience| Last Updated: 10 March 2026 Verify Credentials →

Protection: Artistic expression of logo design under Copyright Act, 1957. Protects graphic elements, illustrations, and creative composition.

Duration: Lifetime of creator plus 60 years under Section 22. No renewal required. Cross-industry protection.

Fees: Starting from Rs 3,500 including Rs 500 government fee. Dual copyright + trademark packages available.

Dual Strategy: Copyright protects artistic design; trademark protects brand identity. Both recommended for comprehensive logo protection.

10,000+ businesses served. 50,000+ documents filed. 4.9 Google Rating. 15+ years of practice.

Call +91 945 945 6700 Email Us WhatsApp Us

15+ YearsIndustry Experience

CA & CSCertified Experts

4.9

Based on 500+ reviews

Get Free Consultation

Talk to a CA/CS expert today

Full Name

Phone Number

City

Service Needed

Our team will get back to you shortly. No spam.

Real Stories from Real People

Hear how teams across industries use Patron to save time, cut costs, & stay in control.

“

Patron Accounting handled both copyright and trademark registration for our startup logo. They obtained the TC-60 certificate within 3 weeks and filed both applications in parallel. Copyright certificate came in 2 months - gave us immediate protection while the trademark was pending.

Aditya Kumar

Startup Founder, Pune

★★★★★

2 months ago

“

As a graphic design agency, we needed copyright assignment documentation for 30+ logos we designed for clients. Patron Accounting drafted all the assignment deeds with proper Section 17(c) references and also filed copyright registrations for clients who wanted their own certificates.

Priya Menon

Design Agency Owner, Mumbai

★★★★★

3 months ago

“

Found someone using a nearly identical copy of our logo on their e-commerce site. The copyright registration certificate from Patron Accounting made the cease-and-desist notice immediately effective. The infringer removed the logo within a week. Dual registration was worth every rupee.

Rohit Sharma

E-Commerce Business Owner, Delhi

★★★★★

1 month ago

“

Our established brand needed copyright registration for our logo to complement our existing trademark. Patron Accounting explained Section 15 implications for logos on manufactured products and ensured we had the right protection strategy. Very thorough and knowledgeable team.

Sunita Joshi

Brand Manager, Bangalore

★★★★★

4 months ago

“

Patron Accounting assessed our text-only logo and honestly told us it may not qualify for copyright but recommended trademark registration instead. They filed the trademark in 3 classes for our retail brand. Appreciated the honest advice rather than pushing unnecessary services.

Vikram Khanna

Retail Business Owner, Gurugram

★★★★★

2 months ago

Join 10,000+ Satisfied Businesses

Protect your logo with dual copyright + trademark registration for maximum legal coverage.

Talk to an Expert

10,000+Businesses ServedGST compliance and litigation support across India.

15+Years ExperienceDeep expertise in IP registration, GST & business compliance.

50,000+Documents FiledReturns, appeals, and filings handled accurately.

4.9★Client RatingTrusted by entrepreneurs, startups, and growing businesses.

ISO CertifiedProfessional standards and documented processes.

SSL SecureYour financial and business data is fully protected.

Overview What Is Who Needs Our Services 7-Step Process Documents Challenges Fees Timeline Benefits Copyright vs Trademark FAQs

Logo Copyright Registration - Complete Guide for 2026

📌 TL;DR - Logo Copyright Registration Services at a Glance

A logo with artistic or creative graphic elements qualifies as an 'artistic work' under Section 2(c) of the Copyright Act, 1957, and can be registered for copyright protection at the Copyright Office (copyright.gov.in). Copyright protects the artistic expression of the logo. Trademark registration under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 separately protects the logo as a commercial brand identifier. For comprehensive logo protection, both copyright and trademark registration are recommended. Copyright costs Rs 500 government fee and lasts the creator's lifetime plus 60 years.

Your logo is the visual identity of your brand. A logo with creative graphic elements is simultaneously an artistic work (eligible for copyright) and a brand identifier (eligible for trademark). Copyright protects the artistic expression of the design; trademark protects its use in commerce. Together, they create a dual shield against both artistic plagiarism and brand impersonation. Patron Accounting provides end-to-end dual registration.

Parameter	Details
Governing Law	Copyright Act, 1957 (Sec 2(c), 14, 45) + Trade Marks Act, 1999 (Sec 2(zb))
What Copyright Protects	Artistic expression - graphic elements, illustrations, creative composition
What Trademark Protects	Logo as brand identifier - commercial distinctiveness for goods/services
Copyright Fee	Rs 500 per work (Copyright Rules, 2013)
Trademark Fee	Rs 4,500 (individual/startup) or Rs 9,000 (other) per class
Copyright Duration	Creator's lifetime + 60 years (Section 22)
Trademark Duration	10 years (renewable indefinitely every 10 years)

Content is reviewed quarterly for accuracy.

What Is Logo Copyright Registration?

Logo Copyright Registration is the process of registering the artistic design of a logo with the Copyright Office under Section 45 of the Copyright Act, 1957, as an 'artistic work' defined in Section 2(c) - which includes drawings, graphic works, and any other work of artistic craftsmanship.

For a logo to qualify, it must possess sufficient originality and creativity in its graphic elements - not merely be a plain-text rendition of a business name. Logos with distinctive illustrations, graphic compositions, stylised lettering, or artistic symbols clearly qualify. Section 2(c) states that protection applies 'whether or not any such work possesses artistic quality'.

An important procedural requirement: for logos used as trademarks, the applicant must obtain a Form TC/TC-60 certificate from the Registrar of Trade Marks confirming no identical or deceptively similar mark is registered. This interlock between the Copyright Act and the Trade Marks Act is a unique feature of Indian IP law.

Key Terms for Logo Copyright Registration:

Artistic Work (Section 2(c)): A painting, sculpture, drawing, engraving, photograph, or work of artistic craftsmanship - whether or not possessing artistic quality. A creative logo qualifies as a drawing or work of artistic craftsmanship.

Trademark (Section 2(zb)): A mark capable of graphical representation distinguishing the goods or services of one person from others. Includes logos, symbols, devices, and colour combinations.

Form TC/TC-60: Certificate from the Trademark Registrar required when filing copyright for artistic work used with goods or services, confirming no conflicting trademark is registered.

Dual Registration: The recommended strategy of registering a logo as both copyright (artistic expression) and trademark (commercial use) for maximum legal protection.

Section 15 (Copyright-Design Intersection): If a logo design is registered under the Designs Act, 2000, or reproduced more than 50 times by industrial process, copyright protection ceases.

Who Should Register Logo Copyright?

Logo copyright registration is essential for any business or designer creating original visual brand identities:

Startups and New Businesses: Protect your logo design from day one - copyright creates time-stamped proof of creation and ownership.
Graphic Design Firms and Freelancers: Clarify copyright ownership through agreements. Under Section 17(c), the commissioner is first owner of copyright in commissioned work unless agreed otherwise.
E-Commerce Businesses: Online brands whose logos are visible across platforms, marketplaces, and social media face high plagiarism risk. Copyright strengthens enforcement.
Established Brands: Companies with well-known logos should register copyright as an additional layer complementing existing trademark registration.
Marketing and Advertising Agencies: Agencies creating brand identities need clear copyright documentation to protect their work and clarify ownership transfer.
NFT and Digital Art Creators: Logo designers creating NFT-based brand assets should register copyright before minting to establish provenance.

6 Logo Copyright Registration Services by Patron Accounting

Service	What We Do
Copyright Registration (Form XIV)	Complete application drafting and filing at copyright.gov.in with high-resolution logo, Statement of Particulars, and Form TC/TC-60.
Trademark Registration (Form TM-A)	Filing trademark application with the Controller General at ipindia.gov.in for commercial brand protection in specified classes.
Dual Registration Package	Combined copyright + trademark registration for comprehensive logo protection - artistic design AND brand identity protected under both Acts.
Trademark Search and TC-60 Procurement	Pre-filing search on IP India database for conflicting marks, and obtaining the Form TC/TC-60 clearance certificate for copyright filing.
Copyright Assignment and Licensing	Drafting ownership transfer agreements between designers and clients, and licensing agreements for authorised logo use. See copyright assignment.
Infringement Enforcement	Cease-and-desist notices for unauthorised logo use, coordinated enforcement under both Copyright Act and Trade Marks Act simultaneously.

Our Process

7-Step Process for Logo Copyright Registration

Patron Accounting handles the complete dual-track registration - from logo assessment and trademark search through copyright filing, TC-60 procurement, and trademark application.

Step 1

Create or Commission Original Logo

The logo must be original and fixed in tangible form. If commissioned, document the relationship - under Section 17(c), the commissioner is first owner unless agreed otherwise.

Originality confirmed Ownership documented

Logo Ready01

Step 2

Conduct Trademark Search

Search the IP India database (ipindia.gov.in) to confirm no identical or deceptively similar logo is registered as a trademark by another person. Prerequisite for Form TC/TC-60.

No conflicts IP India searched

Search Clear02

Step 3

Obtain Form TC/TC-60

File application with the Registrar of Trade Marks for a certificate confirming no conflicting trademark exists. Required for logos used commercially with goods or services.

TC-60 obtained Clearance confirmed

TC-60 Ready03

Step 4

File Form XIV at copyright.gov.in

Submit Form XIV under Section 45 with: high-resolution logo image, Statement of Particulars, Statement of Further Particulars, Form TC/TC-60, NOC from designer, and ID proof. Government fee: Rs 500.

Form XIV filed Rs 500 paid

Form Filed04

Step 5

Serve Notice and 30-Day Objection Period

Send application copy by registered post to any interested parties. Copyright Office allows 30 days for objections. If none, the examiner reviews the application.

Notice served 30-day wait

Wait Done05

Step 6

Copyright Registration Certificate Issued

If satisfied, the logo is registered in the Register of Copyrights. Registration Certificate issued under Section 48 - prima facie evidence of ownership in all courts across India.

Step 7

File Trademark Application (Recommended)

Simultaneously or subsequently, file Form TM-A at ipindia.gov.in. Trademark fee: Rs 4,500 for individuals/startups per class, Rs 9,000 for other entities. Protects logo as a commercial brand identifier.

TM-A filed Dual protection

Dual Protected07

Documents Required for Logo Copyright Registration

For Copyright Registration:

High-resolution image of the logo (JPEG/PNG/PDF)
Completed Form XIV (Application under Section 45)
Statement of Particulars and Statement of Further Particulars
Form TC/TC-60 (Trademark Registrar certificate - for logos used with goods/services)
NOC from logo designer (if the applicant is not the designer)
PAN Card and Aadhaar of the applicant
Proof of dispatch to interested parties (registered post receipt)
Power of Attorney (if filing through representative)

For Trademark Registration (if filing simultaneously):

Logo image in specified format
Form TM-A
Proof of first use (if claiming prior use date)
ID and address proof of the applicant
MSME/Startup India certificate (for reduced fee)

Common Logo Copyright Registration Challenges and Solutions

Challenge	Impact	How Patron Accounting Solves It
Logo Lacks Sufficient Artistic Originality	Simple text-only logos in standard fonts may not qualify for copyright	We assess your logo's creative elements. If copyright is not viable, trademark alone provides strong commercial protection.
Obtaining Form TC/TC-60	Logos used commercially require clearance certificate from Trademark Registrar before copyright filing	We handle the trademark search and TC-60 procurement end-to-end, ensuring it is obtained before the copyright application.
Ownership Dispute Between Business and Designer	Under Section 17(c), the commissioner is first owner of commissioned work - but disputes are common	We draft clear copyright assignment agreements and NOCs to document transfer from designer to business.
Confusing Copyright with Trademark Protection	Copyright protects design; trademark protects brand use - complementary, not alternatives	We explain the dual strategy and recommend both registrations for maximum protection against artistic plagiarism AND brand impersonation.

Logo Copyright Registration Fees in 2026

Fee Component	Amount
Copyright Registration - Government Fee (per logo)	Rs 500 (Copyright Rules, 2013)
Copyright Registration - Professional Fee	Rs 3,000 - Rs 5,000
Trademark Registration - Government Fee (per class)	Rs 4,500 (individual/startup) or Rs 9,000 (others)
Trademark Registration - Professional Fee	Rs 3,000 - Rs 7,000
Dual Registration Package (Copyright + Trademark)	Rs 10,000 - Rs 18,000 (total)
Copyright Assignment Deed (designer to business)	Rs 5,000 - Rs 10,000
Patron Accounting Professional Fees	INR 4,999 (Exl GST and Govt. Charges)

All fees and charges listed are indicative only and do not constitute a binding offer. Final amounts may vary depending on the volume of work and the complexity involved.

Professional service charges for drafting, filing, and representation are separate from the statutory fees. The exact fee depends on the complexity of the case, disputed amount, and number of hearings required. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Get a free Logo Copyright Registration consultation - Call +91 945 945 6700 or WhatsApp us. No-obligation assessment.

How Long Does Logo Copyright Registration Take?

Stage	Estimated Timeline
Application drafting	2-5 working days
Form TC/TC-60 procurement	15-30 days
Copyright Office filing + 30-day objection period	30-60 days
Total Copyright Timeline	2-3 months
Trademark application filing	2-3 days (can be simultaneous)
Trademark examination + registration	12-18 months

Important: Copyright and trademark applications can be filed simultaneously. The copyright registration (2-3 months) typically completes before the trademark registration (12-18 months), giving you immediate artistic protection while the trademark application is pending.

Key Benefits

5 Benefits of Logo Copyright Registration

Protects Artistic Expression

Copyright protects the specific design, illustration, and graphic composition of your logo - preventing anyone from copying the artwork even outside your industry.

Longer Duration

Copyright lasts the creator's lifetime + 60 years (Section 22) compared to trademark's 10-year renewable term. Once copyright exists, it persists automatically.

Cross-Industry Protection

Copyright protects the design universally - not limited to specific classes of goods/services like trademark. A competitor in ANY industry cannot copy your logo design.

Complements Trademark

Copyright + trademark together create the strongest logo protection. Artistic plagiarism AND commercial brand impersonation are both addressed under separate Acts.

Enforcement Strength

With copyright registration (Section 48 prima facie evidence), pursue civil remedies (Section 55) and criminal prosecution (Section 63: 6 months to 3 years + Rs 50K-2L fine).

Dual Enforcement Available

Both Copyright Act (Sec 63) and Trade Marks Act (Sec 103-104) can be invoked simultaneously for logo infringement - doubling your enforcement options.

Why 10,000+ Businesses Trust Patron Accounting

10,000+ Businesses Served across India with IP, copyright, trademark, and compliance services.

50,000+ Documents Filed on government portals including copyright.gov.in, ipindia.gov.in, MCA, and Income Tax.

4.9 Google Rating based on verified client reviews.

15+ Years of Practice with deep expertise in copyright, trademark, and IP law.

4 Offices: Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram - serving brands and designers across India.

Logo Copyright vs Logo Trademark - Comparison

Parameter	Logo Copyright (Copyright Act, 1957)	Logo Trademark (Trade Marks Act, 1999)
What It Protects	Artistic design and graphic expression	Logo as a commercial brand identifier
Eligibility	Must have creative/artistic graphic elements	Must be distinctive and graphically representable
Duration	Creator's lifetime + 60 years (Sec 22)	10 years, renewable indefinitely (Sec 25)
Scope	Universal - protects across ALL industries	Class-specific - registered classes only
Registration Fee	Rs 500 per work	Rs 4,500 (individual/startup) to Rs 9,000 per class
Enforcement	Civil (Sec 55) + Criminal (Sec 63: 6 months-3 years)	Civil + Criminal (Sec 103-104: 6 months-3 years)
Automatic Protection	Yes - upon creation (registration strengthens)	No - only upon registration
Recommendation	Register BOTH for comprehensive protection	Register BOTH for comprehensive protection

Related Copyright and Trademark Services

Logo copyright works best as part of a comprehensive IP protection strategy:

Copyright Registration - Umbrella copyright registration for all work categories.
Trademark Registration - Commercial brand protection for logos, names, and slogans under Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Copyright Disclaimer - Professional disclaimer drafting for ownership assertion on websites and marketing materials.
Copyright Assignment - Legal transfer of logo copyright from designer to business with proper documentation.
Copyright Objection - Expert representation for objections during the 30-day period.

Legal Framework for Logo Copyright in India

Governing Acts: Copyright Act, 1957 (amended 2012); Copyright Rules, 2013; Trade Marks Act, 1999; Designs Act, 2000.

Copyright Act - Key Sections:

Section 2(c): Defines 'artistic work' - drawings, engravings, and works of artistic craftsmanship (includes creative logos).
Section 14(c): Exclusive rights in artistic work - reproduce, communicate, issue copies, make adaptations.
Section 15(1)-(2): Copyright ceases if design is registered under Designs Act, or reproduced 50+ times by industrial process.
Section 17(c): Commissioner is first owner of copyright in commissioned artistic work (logos from designers).
Section 22: Duration - creator's lifetime + 60 years.
Section 45: Application for registration. Section 48: Register as prima facie evidence.

Trade Marks Act - Key Sections:

Section 2(zb): Defines trademark. Section 18: Application for registration. Section 25: 10-year duration, renewable.
Sections 103-104: Criminal penalties for trademark infringement - 6 months to 3 years, Rs 50,000 to Rs 2,00,000.

Dual Enforcement: Both Acts can be invoked simultaneously for logo infringement.

Regulatory: Copyright Office, DPIIT for copyright; Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks for trademark.

Frequently Asked Questions - Logo Copyright Registration

Answers about logo copyright vs trademark, fees, eligibility, Form TC-60, duration, and the dual registration strategy.

Quick Answers

Q: Who owns copyright in a logo designed by a freelancer? A: Under Section 17(c), if commissioned for valuable consideration, the commissioner (business) is first owner unless agreed otherwise.

Q: Can I copyright a trademarked logo? A: Yes. Copyright and trademark are separate registrations. A trademarked logo can also be copyright-registered if it has artistic elements.

Q: Is the copyright symbol mandatory? A: Not mandatory in India (Berne Convention). But displaying it deters infringers and eliminates the 'innocent infringement' defence.

Q: What if my logo is on thousands of products - Section 15? A: If reproduced 50+ times by industrial process, copyright ceases. Consider design registration under Designs Act, 2000.

Your Logo Is Your Brand's Most Visible Asset - Protect It Now

Your logo appears on every product, website, social media profile, and marketing material. Without copyright registration, an infringer can copy your artistic design across any industry. Without trademark registration, a competitor can use a confusingly similar logo for their business.

Dual registration costs less than Rs 18,000 total but provides lifetime-plus-60-years artistic protection AND indefinitely renewable commercial protection. The cost of not registering far exceeds the investment.

Action: Call +91 945 945 6700 or WhatsApp us for a free consultation on dual logo protection.

Protect Your Logo with Dual Copyright + Trademark Registration

Logo Copyright Registration under the Copyright Act, 1957 protects the artistic expression of your brand's most visible asset. When combined with trademark registration under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, it creates the most comprehensive legal protection - guarding against both artistic plagiarism and commercial brand impersonation.

With copyright lasting the creator's lifetime plus 60 years and trademark renewable indefinitely, dual registration is a strategic investment in your brand's long-term value.

Patron Accounting's CA and CS team provides end-to-end logo copyright and trademark registration. 15+ years of practice. 10,000+ businesses served. Starting from Rs 4,999. Contact us for a free consultation.

📞 Call +91 945 945 6700 💬 WhatsApp Us ✉️ Email Us

Book a Free Consultation - No Obligation.

Logo Copyright Registration Services Across India

Expert logo copyright + trademark registration with local support from our CA and CS team.

Related Services

Complete logo and brand IP protection

India

Trademark Registration

India

Brand Copyright

India

Content Created: 10 March 2026 | Last Updated: 10 March 2026 | Next Review: 10 December 2026 | Reviewed By: CA & CS Team, Patron Accounting LLP

This page is reviewed every 9 months. Content aligned with the Copyright Act, 1957, Trade Marks Act, 1999, Copyright Rules, 2013, and current Copyright Office and IP India procedures. Next review: December 2026.

Join 5,000+ business owners. Get compliance due date alerts on WhatsApp. Join Free →