Key practical points:
• Protection is automatic: an original work is protected from the moment it is created, with no mandatory formality.
• Protection covers text, images, music, video, software and other original works.
• Registration is voluntary but provides strong evidence of ownership and creation date in a dispute.
• The text of laws and official documents itself is not copyrighted and may be reproduced.
• Licensing: you can let others use your work through an agreement setting the scope, duration and fee.
• Keep original files, drafts and dated records to prove you are the author.
• Using someone else's work without permission may be infringement, so get a license or use properly licensed content.
💡 Intellectual property
China Copyright Law Overview · Yalla China
中华人民共和国著作权法 / Copyright Law
📝 Overview
The law protects original works automatically once created, such as text, images, software and video. Registration is voluntary but useful as evidence in a dispute.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If you produce content such as designs, text, software or video, you own the rights automatically once it is created, but voluntary registration strengthens your position in any dispute. Always keep original copies and dates as evidence. Before using images, text or music from others, make sure you have a license to avoid infringement. This is a general orientation, not formal legal advice.
📎 Official source
National Copyright Administration of China / ncac.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026