China copyright registration is administered by the Copyright Protection Centre of China (CPCC). The protection in China technically does not require registration. However, registering copyrights for literary works can avoid, or at least simplify, ownership disputes. Copyright holders may apply directly for copyright registration or entrust an agent to apply on their behalf. Where an agent is used, the agent must additionally submit his or her identification documents and a Power of Attorney from the copyright holder.
Businesses in all industries should take steps to identify their existing copyrights and consider registering the most important ones as part of a holistic intellectual property rights protection strategy. The proof of ownership you obtain from registering your copyright may save you time and money later on in case of a copyright dispute.
How to Register Your Copyright in China
Copyright registration in China is administered by the Copyright Protection Centre of China (hereinafter referred to as CPCC). Applicants begin the application process by completing the copyright registration application form and mailing the application materials to CPCC. After receiving the application, the CPCC will review the application materials, determine the application fee, and notify the applicant. After the applicant pays the application fee, the applicant will receive a notice of receipt of payment and notice of application acceptance. After acceptance, the examination of the application takes approximately 30 working days to complete. After the successful completion of the examination, the applicant will receive a Copyright Registration Certificate.
Applications for copyright registration are within 30 days after the CPCC accepts the application or if supplemental materials are required, within 30 days of receipt of the supplemental materials. However, registration may be delayed if registration fees are not paid within 10 days of receipt of the notice for payment.
Period of Protection
The period of protection for the moral right of publication and economic rights, or the right to exploit the work for economic gain, is generally 50 years from the date of creation or publication, or in the case of individuals, the lifetime of the author plus 50 years.
The protection period for all other moral rights such as the right of attribution of authorship, the right of publication of the work to the public, the right to alter the work, and the right to preserve the integrity of the work is forever.
Contact Us
If you have further queries, don’t hesitate to contact Tannet anytime, anywhere by simply visiting Tannet’s website english.tannet-group.com, or calling Hong Kong hotline at 852-27826888 or China hotline at 86-755-82143512 or 86-755-82143181 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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