China Copyright Protection — Automatic Rights & Registration

Copyright in China arises automatically upon creation under the Berne Convention, but registration with the Copyright Protection Center provides a certificate useful in enforcement proceedings.

Protected Works

China protects literary works, software, artistic works, photographic works, cinematographic works, architectural works, and compilations. The Copyright Law (amended 2020) increased statutory damages and introduced punitive damages for intentional infringement.

Registration Benefits

While registration is voluntary, a copyright registration certificate serves as prima facie evidence of ownership and creation date. Registration costs approximately RMB 300 and takes 1�3 months.

Enforcement

Copyright holders can pursue administrative copyright raids (fastest), civil litigation (damages), or criminal prosecution (commercial-scale infringement). Statutory damages up to RMB 5M, punitive damages up to 5x.