Copyright infringement in India is not merely a civil wrong \u2014 it is a serious criminal offence. When someone copies your original work, pirates your software, reproduces your music without licence, or distributes your film illegally, you have the right to initiate criminal prosecution against them by filing a First Information Report with the police. In 2026, knowing exactly how to file an FIR for copyright infringement in India is one of the most powerful tools available to creators, businesses, and brands whose intellectual property rights are being violated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Copyright Act, 1957 \u2014 particularly Section 63 \u2014 makes copyright infringement a cognisable offence, meaning police have the authority to register an FIR and arrest the accused without requiring prior permission from a court. This gives rights holders immediate access to the criminal justice machinery \u2014 including police investigation, search and seizure raids, and arrest of infringers \u2014 from the very first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you are a writer, musician, filmmaker, software developer, photographer, publisher, or brand owner dealing with large-scale commercial piracy or targeted digital infringement, this guide walks you through the complete process of filing an FIR for copyright infringement in India in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For expert legal assistance in copyright enforcement and IP protection, visit LegalIP.in<\/a> \u2014 India’s trusted intellectual property legal services platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is Copyright Infringement a Cognisable Offence in India?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before understanding how to file an FIR, it is important to understand why an FIR is available in copyright cases at all. Under Indian criminal law, an FIR can only be filed for cognisable offences \u2014 offences for which the police have the power to arrest without a warrant and investigate without prior magistrate approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Section 63 of the Copyright Act, 1957 makes copyright infringement a cognisable and non-bailable offence. The punishment prescribed is imprisonment of not less than six months and up to three years, along with a fine of not less than fifty thousand rupees and up to two lakh rupees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because the offence is cognisable, police are legally obligated to register an FIR when a complaint is made and there is a reasonable basis to believe an offence has occurred. They cannot simply refuse to register the FIR on the ground that the matter is a civil dispute \u2014 copyright infringement is explicitly a criminal matter under Indian law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For related brand and logo infringement matters that may involve both copyright and trademark law simultaneously, OnlineTrademarkIndia.com<\/a> provides integrated IP enforcement services covering both legal frameworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evidence You Must Gather Before Filing an FIR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Filing a strong FIR for copyright infringement requires thorough preparation. The quality of evidence you present at the police station directly determines how seriously the police treat your complaint and how effectively they investigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before approaching the police station, gather the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proof of Copyright Ownership<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Proof of Infringement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Identity of the Infringer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For professional assistance with evidence gathering and documentation before filing an FIR, LegalIP.in<\/a> provides specialised IP enforcement support including pre-FIR legal strategy and evidence preservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
![\"how-to-file-fir-img\"](\"https:\/\/legaltax.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/how-to-file-fir-img.png\" "\\"how-to-file-fir-img\\"")