How to register a copyright in China? In China, the copyright registration procedure follows a voluntary principle. However, by filing the copyright registration, you will be granted a certificate that can serve as proof of your right and your ownership during a copyright dispute later on. It is advisable to register a copyright as soon as your creative product is completed.
What can be registered?
A copyright registration in China can cover all copyrightable subject matters under the Chinese copyright law. For instance, we have helped clients obtain copyright registrations for the following types of copyright work:
Artwork (including logo marks);
Books, printed matter and other literary works;
Audio-visual works;
Musical works;
In-app or in-program user interfaces;
Website layout;
Computer software;
Product packaging design;
Works of applied art, e.g. certain toy/furniture designs.
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Who can register a copyright in China?
Copyright can be registered either by the author of the creative work or by other copyright owners who obtain the right through transfer or inheritance from the author.
It is important to note that in the context of employment, the employee who creates a copyright in fulfilling his/her task assigned by the employer has the right of authorship (moral right), but the economic rights associated with the copyright belongs to the employer, so the registration shall be filed under the employer’s name.
Documents required
(1) Application Form (printed copy with signature/company stamp);
(2) Identification certificates of the applicant;
(3) Ownership statement;
(4) Power of attorney;
(5) Sample of the work;
(6) Other materials required (Certifications of the inheritance, acquirement or receiving if it’s involved).
How long does it take to get the certificate?
Copyright shall exist from the date on which the creation of a work has been completed or from the date on which the development of a software product has been completed.
Once the registration files are completed, the applicant will be provided with a receipt. The applicant should expect to receive the registration certificate around 30 working days after completing the application. In case where the documents are incomplete or clarifications are needed, the applicant will have an additional two month period to complete the procedure.
Contact Us
If you have further inquires, please do not hesitate to contact Tannet at anytime, anywhere by simply visiting Tannet’s website english.tannet-group.com, or calling Hong Kong hotline at 852-27826888 or China hotline at 86-755-82143422, or emailing to 2355735242@qq.com. You are also welcome to visit our office situated in 16/F, Taiyangdao Bldg 2020, Dongmen Rd South, Luohu, Shenzhen, China.
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