As one of the world’s largest markets for creative industries and digital content, China has
continuously upgraded its copyright protection system in 2025–2026, focusing on AI-
generated content governance, digital service optimization, and cross-border enforcement
enhancement. Governed by the revised Copyright Law of the People’s Republic of China
and administered by the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC), the
country’s copyright regime adheres to the core principles of human authorship priority,
voluntary registration, and multi-channel enforcement, providing a stable and predictable
legal environment for global enterprises engaged in software development, gaming, industrial
design, audiovisual production, and new media operations.
A landmark policy focus of China’s copyright system in 2025–2026 is the clear regulation of
AI-generated content (AIGC). In line with the latest judicial and regulatory trends, Chinese
authorities have explicitly clarified that copyright ownership shall belong to human creators.
Works entirely generated by AI without any meaningful human creative input (such as
independent prompt design, substantial editing, or creative selection and arrangement) are not
eligible for copyright protection. In contrast, AI-assisted works that embody sufficient human
originality can be registered and protected. This regulatory requirement mandates that global
creators must clearly document the extent of human contribution in their works and avoid over-
reliance on unmodified AI outputs to ensure compliance and rights protection.
Voluntary copyright registration with the China Copyright Protection Center (CCPC) remains a
strategically crucial measure for global creators. Although copyright in China arises automatically
upon the completion of a work in accordance with international conventions, a CCPC registration
certificate serves as prima facie evidence of ownership in administrative law enforcement,
e-commerce takedown procedures, and civil litigation. To adapt to the needs of global enterprises
for rapid market entry, the CCPC has optimized its digital registration system, offering a standard
processing cycle of 1–2 months and an expedited service (for urgent cases) with a processing
time of 7–15 working days. This service is widely applicable to various types of works, including
software, images, videos, illustrations, and interface designs.
China’s copyright system is fully aligned with international treaties, including the Berne
Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works and the WIPO Copyright Treaty
(WCT). Foreign works enjoy automatic protection in China in accordance with international
standards, without the need for additional formalities. While foreign copyright owners are not
required to establish a local entity in China to claim their rights, it is highly recommended to
cooperate with local professional copyright agencies or legal institutions for matters such as
copyright registration, evidence preservation, notice-and-takedown applications, and
cross-border enforcement. This ensures efficient compliance with local procedural
requirements and maximizes the protection of rights.
The scope of works protected by China’s copyright law covers literary works, computer software,
music, audiovisual works, fine arts, photography, databases, and other original intellectual
creations that can be fixed in a tangible form. It is important to note that ideas, procedures,
methods of operation, and purely factual information are excluded from copyright protection—
only the expression of ideas (rather than the ideas themselves) is protected. This distinction is
particularly critical for technology and content enterprises engaged in software development,
data processing, and digital content creation.
Copyright protection terms in China are consistent with international standards, with clear and
standardized calculation rules:
● For works created by natural persons: Protection lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years;
● For works created by legal persons or unincorporated organizations: Protection lasts for 50
years from the date of first publication.
Recent regulatory reforms have further clarified that the protection term shall expire on
December 31 of the 50th year after the relevant date, providing greater certainty for global
enterprises in managing their copyright portfolios.
China has established a multi-layered copyright enforcement system to effectively combat
infringement and piracy, including:
● Administrative enforcement: Led by local copyright bureaus, it provides fast and cost-
effective remedies such as raids on infringing entities, fines, and destruction of infringing goods;
● Civil litigation: Copyright owners can claim injunctions, damages, and the destruction
of infringing products through judicial proceedings;
● Criminal liability: Severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, are imposed for
large-scale commercial piracy that causes significant harm.
In addition, major online platforms in China have implemented standardized notice-and-takedown
mechanisms, allowing copyright owners to quickly remove infringing content by submitting their
CCPC registration certificates, effectively safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests.
Since 2025, the NCAC has accelerated the high-quality development of copyright governance,
initiating revisions to supporting regulations such as the Implementing Regulations of the
Copyright Law and the Measures for the Voluntary Registration of Works to better adapt to the
new scenarios brought by digitalization and AI technology. Meanwhile, copyright finance pilots
have been launched in eight provinces and cities across China, supporting the licensing,
securitization, and commercialization of copyrights, and helping global enterprises transform their
copyright assets into actionable and profitable resources.
A practical case illustrates the importance of proactive copyright strategy: A European brand
completed the registration of its product visuals and software copyrights with the CCPC before
entering the Chinese market. When unauthorized copies of its works appeared on domestic online
platforms, the brand successfully initiated rapid takedown procedures and obtained compensation
through civil litigation by relying on its registration certificates. In contrast, a peer enterprise that
failed to complete copyright registration faced prolonged disputes over ownership, resulting in
significant economic losses and market share erosion. This case highlights the practical value of
proactive copyright registration and compliance management.
In conclusion, China’s copyright framework in 2025–2026 is characterized by clear AI governance
rules, efficient digital services, and strict enforcement mechanisms. For global creators and
enterprises, it is essential to leverage the automatic protection principle, conduct proactive CCPC
registration, properly document human creative input, and seek professional local support. By
doing so, global entities can effectively safeguard their original works, unlock the commercial value
of copyrights, and achieve sustainable development in China’s dynamic and growing creative market.
Hyperlink List：
● IPcrossark:
IPcrossark—Reliable IP Registration Platform | Trademark, Patent & Copyright Help
● National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC):
● China Copyright Protection Center (CCPC):
