Arjun is a well-known writer. In 2015, he wrote an original novel titled "The Silent River". The book was first published in India in 2016. In 2018, a film company called Meera Films Pvt. Ltd. took written permission fro

The mechanism of registration of copyright has been contemplated under Section 44 of the Copyright Act. It is evident from the provisions of the aforesaid section that registration of the work under the Copyright Act is not compulsory and is not a condition precedent for maintaining a suit for damages, if somebody infringes the copyright. Sections 44 and 45 of the Copyright Act are only enabling provisions and do not affect the common law right to sue for infringement of copyright. An action for infringement can be brought even if the registration has not been done. The only effect of registration is that it is the prima facie evidence of the particulars entered in the register. Section 45 of the Act clearly mentions that the author or publisher of, or the owner of or other person interested in the Copyright in, any Work may make an application in the prescribed form accompanied by the prescribed fee to the registrar of Copyrights. The use of word "may" clearly indicate that the author is at the discretionary liberty to apply for registration of Copyrights. In this case, Arjun has not registered his copyright. He can still file and maintain a suit for infringement despite non-registration.