Section 9 of the Copyright Act, 1957 - Copyright Office
Section 9 of the Copyright Act, 1957 provides the statutory foundation for the Copyright Office in India. It establishes the office for the purposes of the Act, places it under the immediate control of the Registrar of Copyrights, and requires the Copyright Office to have a seal.
What does Section 9 provide?
Section 9 - Copyright Office
(1) There shall be established for the purposes of this Act an office to be called the Copyright Office.
(2) The Copyright Office shall be under the immediate control of the Registrar of Copyrights who shall act under the superintendence and direction of the Central Government.
(3) There shall be a seal for the Copyright Office.
Meaning and scope of Section 9
1. Establishment of the Copyright Office
Sub-section (1) creates the Copyright Office as the statutory office responsible for functions assigned under the Copyright Act, 1957 and the applicable Copyright Rules. The office provides the administrative framework through which copyright registration and related statutory services are handled.
2. Control of the Registrar of Copyrights
Under sub-section (2), the Copyright Office is placed under the immediate control of the Registrar of Copyrights. The Registrar acts under the superintendence and direction of the Central Government. The provision therefore identifies both the immediate administrative authority and the ultimate governmental supervision contemplated by the Act.
3. Seal of the Copyright Office
Sub-section (3) requires the Copyright Office to have a seal. This is part of the statutory identity and formal functioning of the office.
Why Section 9 is important
- It gives statutory recognition to the Copyright Office.
- It identifies the Registrar of Copyrights as the officer having immediate control of the office.
- It subjects the Registrar to the superintendence and direction of the Central Government.
- It expressly provides for an official seal of the Copyright Office.
- It forms part of the administrative machinery through which the Copyright Act is implemented.
Copyright Office and present official services
The Government of India's Copyright Office provides online services relating to copyright applications, registration, application status, notices, the e-register, forms, rules and other copyright administration resources. For current procedures, forms, fees and notices, users should verify the latest information on the official Copyright Office portal.
Practical note: Section 9 establishes the Copyright Office, but the procedure for a particular filing or service may also depend on other provisions of the Copyright Act, the Copyright Rules, prescribed forms, fees, and current official directions.
Related provisions
Section 9 should be read with Section 10 - Registrar and Deputy Registrars of Copyrights and other provisions governing copyright administration. Definitions relevant to the Act are contained in Section 2 - Interpretation.
Last reviewed: 21 September 2026.