Copyright is the right of the author an original work. This right can subsist in literary works such as books and computer software, musical works such as musical compositions, dramatic works such as plays, artistic works such as drawings, paintings and sculptures, sound recordings, films, broadcasts. Copyright works made available on the Internet environment are also protected.

Copyright is an automatic right. It arises when a work is created, unlike other intellectual property rights such as patents, trademarks and industrial designs.

How copyright is obtained

Copyright arises when a piece of work is created or formed. For example, upon pushing the shutter of a camera, the photographer has the copyright of the photo. In many countries, there are no requirements for applications for registrations of copyright. In China, as regulated by the Copyright Law, copyright shall automatically arise when a work is created and completed. The so-called “Completion” is a relative term. As long as the object of creation meets the legal requirements for construction of works, it will be protected by Copyright Law.

In China, there is also a system for authors to register their copyright, after a work was created, completed or published. Copyright registration system is designed to prevent others from unauthorized copying of the work. Copyright is not only for the original authors of intellectual or artistic works, but also for participants who perform or help distribute the work, such as performers, musicians, singers, sound and video recording producers, broadcasting and TV stations, publishers, etc. They also enjoy copyright.