Meaning
Administrative filings with the central copyright authority provide a formal record of creative works and computer programs. Completing an ncac registration with the National Copyright Administration of China establishes a public record of ownership and the date of creation. This documentation is required for several legal and commercial actions, such as the licensing of content or the enforcement of intellectual property rights in a local court.
Jurisdictional Filing
The application process involves submitting a description of the work and the identification of the author. Although copyright exists upon creation, the ncac registration acts as a recognized certificate that local government agencies and online platforms accept as proof of title.
Material Requirement
Submission of the work itself is a mandatory part of the procedure. For a literary work, the full text is provided, while for music, the score or the recording is required. The authority checks the materials for compliance with public order before issuing the certificate.
Evidentiary Value
The certificate issued after a successful ncac registration functions as preliminary proof of ownership during legal disputes. While it does not guarantee the validity of the copyright if a counterparty produces earlier evidence, it shifts the burden of proof to the challenger. Customs authorities also use these records to identify and seize counterfeit goods during export or import.
It provides a basis for police action.
