1. Application Form for Work Registration (A standard form provided by the copyright registration authority.);

2. Identification Documents of the Author or Other Copyright Owner:  Author’s identification document (copy, signed by the author); Business registration certificate or other relevant documents for legal entities or non-legal entities (copy);Identification documents of heirs (copy); Commission agreement for commissioned works (copy); Cooperation agreement or contract for joint works, along with identification documents of all co-authors (copies)

3. Proof of Copyright Ownership: Copy of the work’s cover and copyright page; Copy or sample of part or all of the manuscript (for literary works); Table of contents of the work; Reproductions or photographs of original artworks (for artistic or photographic works); Packaging, photos, or sample tapes/discs of audiovisual works; Exclusive license agreement (copy), if applicable

4. Description of the Works

Writing Requirements:

(1) A brief introduction of the work (for literary works, include word count)

(2) The creation process and the creative concept of the work

(3) Completion date of the work, and whether it was independently created

(4) Whether the work has been published, and if so, how it was published; if unpublished, when and how it is intended to be published

Power of Attorney and Agent’s Identification Documents (Copy)

Complete the Work Registration Form and Statement of Rights, and pay the applicable registration fee.

1. What is a “Work”?

A “work” as referred to in China’s Copyright Law means an intellectual creation in the fields of literature, art, or science that is original and can be reproduced in a tangible form. A work must meet the following conditions:

(1). Originality

The work must be independently conceived and created by the author. Only original works are protected under copyright law.

(2). Reproducibility

The work must be capable of being reproduced in one or more copies through printing, photocopying, tracing, rubbing, audio/video recording, duplication, photography, etc. Regardless of the method or number of reproductions, the content and ideas of the work remain unchanged.

(3). Legality

The work must be expressed in a lawful form. Citizens engaging in literary, artistic, or scientific creation must comply with laws and must not violate public interests.

2. What Types of Works Can Be Registered?

According to Article 3 of China’s Copyright Law, the following types of works may be registered:

* Written works

* Oral works

* Musical, dramatic, Folk art forms (traditional performing arts), dance, and acrobatic works

* Works of fine art and architecture

* Photographic works

* Cinematographic works and works created by methods similar to filmmaking

* Graphic works such as engineering designs, product designs, maps, and diagrams, and model works

* Computer software

* Other works as provided by laws and administrative regulations

According to Article 4 of the Implementing Regulations of the Copyright Law, these works are defined as follows:

(1). Written works: Novels, poems, essays, papers, etc., expressed in written form.

(2). Oral works: Improvised speeches, lectures, courtroom debates, etc., expressed in spoken language.

(3). Musical works: Songs, symphonies, etc., with or without lyrics, capable of being sung or performed.

(4). Dramatic works: Stage plays, operas, local operas, etc.

(5). Folk art forms works: Traditional storytelling or performance arts such as crosstalk, storytelling, drum songs, etc.

(6). Dance works: Works expressing thoughts and emotions through continuous movements, gestures, and expressions.

(7). Acrobatic works: Acrobatics, magic, circus performances, etc., expressed through physical skills.

(8). Works of fine art: Paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, etc., with aesthetic value in two- or three-dimensional form.

(9). Architectural works: Buildings or structures with aesthetic significance.

(10). Photographic works: Artistic works capturing images of objective objects using devices on photosensitive materials or other media.

(11). Cinematographic works: Works consisting of a series of images, with or without sound, fixed on a medium and capable of being projected or otherwise communicated.

(12). Graphic works: Engineering design drawings, product design drawings, maps, and diagrams illustrating principles or structures.

(13). Model works: Three-dimensional works created based on the shape and structure of objects, for display, testing, or observation.

3. What Works Cannot Be Registered?

The following cannot be registered:

(1). Works prohibited by law from publication or dissemination

(2). Laws, regulations, resolutions, decisions, orders, and other official documents of legislative, administrative, or judicial nature, including official translations

(3). Current news reports

(4). Calendars, general tables, standard forms, and formulas

(5). Works whose protection period has expired

4. Who Can Apply for Copyright Registration?

(1). Authors: Natural persons, legal entities, or other organizations that create works

(2). Other copyright holders: Those who acquire copyright through transfer, inheritance, or other legal means

Applicants may apply directly or entrust an agent to handle the application.

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5. How to Apply for Copyright Registration?

Authors, other copyright holders, or their agents shall submit application materials to the Copyright Registration Department of the China Copyright Protection Center and pay the required fees.

After acceptance and examination, if the application meets the requirements and documents are complete, a copyright registration certificate will be issued.

6. Processing Time for Copyright Registration

The registration process is completed within 30 working days from the date of acceptance. If supplementary materials are required, the applicant must complete corrections within two months after receiving the notice. The registration authority will complete the process within 30 working days after receiving qualified supplementary materials.

Copyright Registration Procedure

Submission of Application Documents

    The applicant or agent submits the required documents.

    Documents include:

    * Application form for software copyright registration

    * Identification materials of the software

    * Proof of identity of the applicant

    * Relevant supporting documents (one copy each)

Payment of Fees

If the application meets acceptance requirements, the registration authority issues a payment notice. The applicant or agent must pay the fee accordingly.

Acceptance of Application

Once the documents meet requirements and fees are paid, the authority accepts the application and issues a notice of acceptance and payment receipt.

Supplementary Procedure

If the application documents are defective, the applicant must correct them within the specified period. Failure to do so will result in the application being deemed withdrawn. If the corrected materials still do not comply, registration will be denied with written notice.

Issuance of Certificate

Upon approval, the copyright authority registers the work, issues a registration certificate, and makes a public announcement.