[co-author: Yu-an Chang]

While not compulsory, getting a copyright registration in China can offer many benefits to IP owners. This article will give an overview of the copyright registration system in China. Copyright registration is also available in some other Asian countries such as Japan and Vietnam.

Why register?

Copyright ownership in China arises automatically, upon completion of the creation of works. A registration is not mandatory to claim legal ownership. However, registration is generally recommended for the following reasons:

• 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.
• In Chinese courts, evidence of creation produced abroad must also be notarised (by a public notary in that country) and legalised (by the Chinese Consulate in that country) before it can be admitted as evidence. In practice, this notarisation and legalisation process (in addition to the required translation into Chinese) can often be a lengthy and costly affair. Having a Chinese copyright registration as prima facie proof of ownership makes it much easier and cuts a lot of red tape.
• Many China-based e-commerce platforms have adopted a notice-and-take-down programme. Many of these programmes 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.
• By a similar token, a copyright registration can more effectively back up one’s claim in a cease-and-desist letter.
• In situations where the IP owner is facing obstacles in securing other forms of IP protection in China, copyright registrations can serve as a fall-back. For example, if for some reason the IP owner is unable to obtain a trademark registration for its logo or a design registration for its product, it may get some comfort in getting a copyright registration in China.
• Finally, the copyright registration procedure is straightforward and inexpensive. There was a reduction in official fees in 2017 (link to our previous article: here). The current official fees for a copyright registration application range from RMB 100-500 (USD 15–80). Moreover, the process is relatively quick: the standard application timeline is about 30-90 days. This can be further expedited upon payment of extra official fees.

How long is the copyright registration valid for?

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.

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.

Application process

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.

There is a set of prescribed paperwork for submission to CPCC. This includes details about the date of creation, identity of the author, employment etc. Our firm has extensive experience with these and can draft this quickly and efficiently.

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. Expedited examination is possible for an additional fee.

Copyright registrations in other Asian countries

Not all Asian countries allow copyright owners to voluntarily register their copyright. Japan and Vietnam are two Asian countries which have a voluntary copyright registration system, and similarly we have helped clients obtaining copyright registrations there. Watch this space for our further updates on this topic.