Introduction of the copyright legal system of China.
Copyright does not need to be registered. Once a work is completed, the author enjoys copyright whether it is published or not. However, registration of the copyright can offer evidence to solve disputes about ownership and infringement, especially with China Customs or e-commerce platforms (such as Alibaba).
Can foreigners be granted a copyright in China?
Works of foreigners can enjoy copyright in China if they meet any one of the following conditions under the Berne Convention:
– you are a national or have habitual residence in a member country thereof; or
– your works are first published in China, or a member country thereof, or simultaneously published in a member country and a non-member country.
Forms of works
- Written works;
- Oral works;
- Musical, dramatic, folk craft, choreographic, and acrobatic art works;
- Fine art and architectural works;
- Photographic works;
- Audiovisual works;
- Graphic works and models such as engineering design drawings, product design drawings, maps, and schematic diagrams;
- Computer software; and
- Other intellectual achievements that meet the characteristics of the work.
The ways to register the copyright in China
File directly a copyright application with the Copyright Protection Center of China (CPCC). The official fee should be made after acceptance. A copyright certificate will be given if the application is approved during the examination, the certificate of copyright will be issued.
Application fee
please see: https://www.ccopyright.com.cn/index.php?optionid=1061
Term of validity
Copyright commences from the date of completion. The term varies depending on the type of holders:
- Copyright of a natural person’s work: the life of the author and 50 years after their death.
- Copyright of a legal person or unincorporated organization’s work: 50 years, ending on December 31 of the fiftieth year after the creation of the work. However, if the work has NOT been published within 50 years from the date of completion, it will NO longer be protected.
Duration of application
About 2-3 months