Introduction
In China’s digital economy, protecting intellectual property (IP) is critical for creators and businesses. Traditional copyright registration faced challenges like slow processing and high costs. Enter China’s Copyright Chain (区块链存证), a blockchain-based platform launched by the China Copyright Protection Center (CPCC) that revolutionizes copyright deposition. This guide explains how it works and why global businesses should leverage it.
What is the Copyright Chain?
The Copyright Chain uses immutable blockchain technology to timestamp and store digital fingerprints of creative works. Unlike conventional methods, it offers:
- Instant certification (3–5 minutes vs. 30+ days)
- Lower costs (free or minimal fees)
- Tamper-proof verification
It supports text, images, audio, video, and software code.
Step-by-Step Deposition Process
1. Prepare Your Work
- Ensure the work is original and completed.
- Gather metadata (author name, creation date).
2. Upload to Copyright Chain
- Access the platform via CPCC’s portal or authorized partners.
- Generate a unique hash (digital fingerprint) of your file.
3. Blockchain Timestamping
- The hash is stored across distributed nodes.
- A digital certificate is issued immediately.
4. Verification & Enforcement
- If infringement occurs, use the certificate to prove ownership.
- Chinese courts recognize blockchain evidence (per Beijing Internet Court rulings).
⚖️ Case Study: A Hangzhou court awarded damages to a photographer in 2022 using Copyright Chain evidence.
Legal Validity in China
- Supreme Court Guidelines (2023) affirm blockchain evidence in IP disputes.
- Patent Law (Art. 63) and Copyright Law (Art. 49) support digital depositions.
- Over 2.8 million works were deposited via the platform in 2023 (CPCC data).
Why Foreign Businesses Need This
- Speed
Register designs before product launches in China. - Cost Efficiency
Avoid lengthy agent fees. - Global Trust
Blockchain proofs align with international standards (e.g., WIPO’s blockchain initiatives). - Enforcement Leverage
Essential for cross-border e-commerce or collaborations.
💡 Tip: Pair blockchain deposition with official copyright registration for maximum legal protection.
Limitations and Solutions
- Not a Replacement for Registration: Blockchain evidence supports but doesn’t replace formal registration.
- Solution: Use Copyright Chain for rapid proof, then apply for official certification.
- Language Barriers: Platforms are Mandarin-dominant.
- Solution: Partner with local IP agents.
Conclusion
China’s Copyright Chain democratizes copyright protection with speed, affordability, and legal credibility. For global creators entering China’s market, it’s a strategic shield against infringement. Pair it with due diligence—like verifying Chinese IP records—to secure your assets comprehensively.
Source: China Copyright Protection Center