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.