China copyright registration has some advantages though it is not compulsory. Copyright ownership in China arises automatically, upon completion of the creation of works. While not compulsory, getting a copyright registration in China can offer many benefits to intellectual property owners. Registration is generally recommended for the following reasons.
Advantages of Copyright Registration in China
Copyright registration serves as prima facie proof of ownership. This greatly facilitates enforcement efforts in China, especially in administrative enforcement as well as in litigation. In China, witness evidence generally carries lower evidential weight than documentary evidence such as copyright registration certificates. Personal declarations of copyright ownership by the creator of a work are not taken as substantial evidence.
Copyright registration can provide a simple and relatively low cost means for warding off trademark squatters. As always, early action is required because it is most useful if the registration predates the date of filing of the squatter’s trademark application. If not, other evidence will generally also be required to block the squatter’s trademark application.
Many China-based e-commerce platforms have adopted a notice-and-take-down programme. Many of these programs require the proof of IP rights in order to take infringing offers down. Again, having a Chinese copyright registration makes the tasks much easier for both the e-commerce platform operator and the copyright owner.
How Apply for Copyright Registration in China?
Copyright registration is administered by the Copyright Protection Centre of China (CPCC). The CPCC is an institution directly under the National Copyright Administration of China, which is in charge of copyright registration of works, computer software, copyright pledges, licensing and assignment filings.
After successful completion of the formality examinations, it normally takes about one to three months from the date of application with the CPCC to receive a copyright registration certificate. Once registered, the copyright registration will last until the expiry of that copyright in the registered work under Chinese copyright law. Generally speaking, the copyright duration is the life of the author plus 50 years.
Tannet’s Intellectual Property Service Center provides a full range for IP services from trademark to patent and copyright in mainland China and SARs. Should you seek global brand protection, we can also offer you with the tailor-made solutions.
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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 emailing to tannet-solution@hotmail.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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