Copyright Registration Instructions

Work registration is not a necessary procedure for obtaining copyright. Works are subject to voluntary registration. Whether a work is registered or not, the copyright lawfully obtained by the author or other copyright holders is not affected. However, copyright registration helps to solve copyright disputes caused by the attribution of copyright and can provide preliminary evidence for resolving copyright disputes.

Work Registration Authorities: The copyright bureaus of all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government are responsible for the work registration of authors or other copyright holders in their respective jurisdictions. The National Copyright Administration is responsible for the work registration of authors or other copyright holders from foreign countries, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao.

I. Copyright Registration Materials

Materials Required for Computer Software Work Registration:

① Software Copyright Registration Application Form;

② Identification materials of the software, including source programs and documents;

③ Relevant right - proof materials;

④ Written power of attorney for entrusting the Copyright Affairs Center to conduct software registration agency.

Materials Required for General Work Copyright Registration:

① Identity - proof documents of the author and copyright holder;

② Work Registration Form;

③ Work Registration Application;

④ Work Creation Instruction Manual (explaining the creative ideas, main features and content of the work, etc.);

⑤ Letter of Warranty of Rights;

⑥ Two clear copies of the work (one copy of the photocopy, one color manuscript), with the author's signature;

⑦ Power of Attorney;

⑧ Proof of Copyright Ownership (For commissioned - creation works, a commissioned - creation agreement needs to be provided; for work - for - hire, a copyright - ownership - agreement needs to be provided).

II. Copyright Registration Process

Fill in the application form → Submit application files → Pay the application fee → The registration institution accepts the application → Correct the application files (not a necessary procedure) → Obtain the registration certificate

Fill in the Application Form

On the website of the China Copyright Protection Center, first register as a user, then log in, fill in the application form online as required, and then confirm, submit, and print.

Submit Application Files

The applicant or agent submits the registration application files as required. The application files include: one copy each of the software copyright registration application form, the identification materials of the software, the applicant's identification, and relevant proof files.

Pay the Application Fee

When the application files meet the acceptance requirements, the software registration institution issues a payment notice, and the applicant or agent pays the fee as required by the notice.

The Registration Institution Accepts the Application

If the application files meet the acceptance requirements and the application fee is paid, the registration institution accepts it within the specified time limit and issues an acceptance notice and a payment receipt to the applicant or agent.

Correction Procedure (Not a Necessary Procedure)

If there are deficiencies in the application files, the applicant or agent should correct them within the specified time limit. If not corrected within the time limit, the application will be regarded as withdrawn. If it still does not meet the registration regulations after correction, the registration institution will not register and will notify the applicant or agent in writing.

Obtain the Registration Certificate

If the certificate is to be picked up at the registration acceptance hall, the certificate should be picked up with the original acceptance notice 30 working days after the acceptance date. If it needs to be mailed, please fill in the correct contact address in the application form.

*In the process of copyright registration, there are many normative restrictions on filling in files and numerous procedures. If there is a problem in one of the links, it is very likely that the copyright application will not be approved. Therefore, for non - professional friends who are not clear about how to conduct copyright registration in China, it is still somewhat difficult to apply for copyright registration personally. Many people will still entrust professional copyright institutions when applying for copyright registration.

About Us:

Zhongfa Zhengdao Intellectual Property is a regular - filing unit for Chinese trademark registration, served by a professional licensed legal team. With rich trademark - registration experience, it provides you with comprehensive registration plans and solves difficult problems. Its business scope mainly involves international trademark registration, domestic trademark registration, renewal, change, license, dispute, well - known trademark application, famous trademark application, high - tech enterprise certification, double - soft certification, intellectual property infringement, copyright (software registration), etc.