Separate copyright office for authors, performers: Raju

Human Resource Development Minister M.M. Pallam Raju Monday announced the setting up of a copyright office and a permanent copyright board to provide better services to authors, performers and creators of various works.

"A separate copyright office and a permanent copyright board is being set up to provide better services to the authors, performers and creators of various works," Raju said.

He was speaking at an event where he unveiled the logo of the copyright office and also launched a web portal with e-filing facility for copyright registration.

Raju said the logo gives the office a "unique identity" and also creates a distinct relationship with the public.

The interactive copyright web portal having the facility of e-filing of applications with payment gateway will boost public services in an efficient and effective manner.

Raju added that the ministry has already initiated the process for "online search facility" for the users to see details of works registered since 1958.

"This will eliminate wasteful expenditure and will save time and energy on long travels to come to copyright office in Delhi to search the copyright register," Raju said.

"Similarly, e-filing facility for registration of ISBN (International Standard Book Number) number is going to be operational in the current year and will assist the authors and publishers in getting prompt services," he added.

ISBN number identifies a specific book, an edition of a book, or a book-like product (such as an audiobook).