One of the most common doubts creators have is: “Do I have to renew my copyright?” Since copyright protection is automatic and lasts for a specific period, knowing about renewal is important. In India, as well as in most countries, copyright does not last forever. Creators must understand the validity period and whether renewal is required.
Validity of Copyright in India
Copyright generally lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years after their death. This applies to:
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📚 Literary works like books, blogs, and computer code
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🎨 Artistic works such as paintings, drawings, and logos
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🎵 Musical works, lyrics, and sound recordings
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🎥 Cinematographic films and videos
This long validity means that your heirs and successors also enjoy copyright benefits for decades.
Do You Need to Renew Copyright?
The simple answer is No, you do not have to renew your copyright every few years like a trademark. Once granted, copyright remains valid for the entire duration of the author’s life plus 60 years.
However, renewal becomes relevant in certain special cases, such as:
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Films, sound recordings, and photographs → validity is 60 years from publication.
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Anonymous or pseudonymous works → validity is 60 years from publication.
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Government works → validity is 60 years from publication.
Table: Copyright Validity and Renewal Requirement
| Type of Work | Validity Period | Need for Renewal? |
|---|---|---|
| Literary, Artistic, Musical Works | Lifetime of author + 60 years | ❌ No |
| Cinematographic Films | 60 years from publication | ❌ No |
| Sound Recordings | 60 years from publication | ❌ No |
| Photographs | 60 years from publication | ❌ No |
| Anonymous or Government Works | 60 years from publication | ❌ No |
Why Renewal is Not Required
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✅ Copyright law automatically extends validity for the full term.
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✅ Creators do not need to file for extensions.
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✅ Successors automatically inherit rights after the creator’s death.
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✅ Unlike trademarks, copyrights are not dependent on continuous use.
Conclusion
So, do you have to renew your copyright? No, once registered, copyright remains valid for your lifetime plus 60 years without any renewal. This makes copyright one of the strongest protections for creative works.
👉 Want to secure your work with copyright registration? Contact us for more information and support.