China operates a voluntary registration system for copyright works. Registration of a copyright work is prima facie evidence of both subsistence and ownership. Actual evidence may, however, be required in any subsequent copyright enforcement proceedings.
Filing Requirements
The following documents must be submitted in respect of each work.
1. Power of Attorney, signed by or on behalf of the applicant. No notarisation or legalisation is required.
2. Copy of business registration certificate (for a company) or identification card (for an individual). No notarisation or legalisation is required.
3. Declaration of Ownership, signed by the author(s). No notarisation or legalisation is required; the original document is sufficient.
4. Application Form in Chinese, signed by the applicant. No notarisation or legalisation is required; the original document is sufficient.
5. Sample drawing/photograph of work, depending on the nature of the work.
6. A brief description of the work, as required by the Copyright Bureau, indicating its key distinguishing features, the creation procedure and creation purpose. Need to be executed by one author or the applicant.
China Copy Right
