The Complete Guide to Software Copyright Certificates in China
What is China’s Software Copyright Certificate?
China’s Software Copyright Certificate (SCC) or 计算机软件著作权证书 is required for every mobile app and SaaS platform published in China. It’s a legal document registered with the China Copyright Protection Center under the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC), serving as official proof of software ownership and copyright protection.
The SCC contains:
- A unique identification number
- The exact software name (Note that this must match app store listings or software name where applicable)
- Copyright holder information
- Registration date and validity period
Why Do I Need a Software Copyright Certificate in China?
Beyond basic legal protection, SCCs serve multiple critical business functions:
- App Store Publishing: All major Chinese Android stores and iOS App Store require valid SCCs
- IP Enforcement: Essential for removing unauthorized copies and knockoff apps
- Apple Search Ads: Now mandatory for running Apple Search Ads campaigns in mainland China
- Legal Standing: Required for copyright infringement lawsuits in Chinese courts
- Business Licensing: Often required for ICP filings and other digital business licenses
Important Note: An SCC is not required to enjoy legal copyright protection of your software in China, but it is extremely helpful in case you need to enforce IP ownership, which is why it is nonetheless required by the Chinese app stores
Will My International Copyright Registration Work in China?
No. China operates an independent intellectual property system. International copyrights, including those registered in the US, EU, or other jurisdictions, are not recognized by Chinese app stores nor are they enforceable in Chinese courts for software distribution purposes.
China is not covered by most international IP treaties for software copyright registration, making local registration essential for business operations.
Who Can Apply for a Software Copyright Certificate?
According to the Computer Software Copyright Registration Measures (计算机软件著作权登记办法) , the following entities can apply:
- Chinese companies (domestic entities)
- Foreign companies through three pathways:
- Chinese subsidiary registration
- Service provider registration (recommended)
- Direct foreign entity registration (complex, not recommended)
- Individual developers (both Chinese and foreign nationals)
The certificate applicant must be the actual copyright holder or authorized representative.
How Many Software Copyright Certificates Do I Need?
One certificate per software application. This includes:
- Each mobile app (iOS/Android versions count as one if identical)
- Each SaaS platform or web application
- Each distinct software product with different functionality
Important: Any change to the software name or significant functionality updates may require a new certificate or amendment filing.
What Materials are Required for China’s Software Certificate Registration?
Required Documents:
- Company Information:
- Business license (notarized if foreign entity)
- Company address and contact information
- Legal representative identification
- Software Documentation:
- Software operation manual (demonstrating functionality)
- Software interface screenshots
- Technical specification document
- Source Code Sample:
- First 30 pages and last 30 pages of source code
- If software is under 60 pages total, submit complete code
- Minimum 50 lines per page for program code
- Minimum 30 lines per page for documentation
- Additional Requirements:
- Software development completion certificate
- Copyright ownership declaration
- Authorization letter (if using a service provider)
Special Handling Options:
Per Article 12 of the registration regulations, applicants can request confidential treatment of source code through:
- Black-line redaction (maximum 50% of submitted code)
- Alternative submission formats for trade secret protection
- Sealed storage options for sensitive source code
How Can I Get China’s Software Copyright Certificate?
Step 1: Account Registration and Identity Verification
Official Registration Portal: China Copyright Protection Center (https://www.ccopyright.com.cn/)
- Create Account: Register as an individual or entity account
- Identity Verification: Complete real-name authentication (typically takes 3 business days)
- Required Documentation:
- Front side of ID card/business license
- Back side of ID card/business license
- Photo holding ID card (for individuals)
Step 2: Document Preparation
Required Materials (All in PDF format):
- Source Code Documentation:
- First consecutive 30 pages of source code
- Last consecutive 30 pages of source code
- Minimum 50 lines per page
- If total program is under 60 pages, submit complete source code
- User Manual/Technical Documentation:
- First consecutive 30 pages and last consecutive 30 pages
- Minimum 30 lines per page
- Can include user manuals, program specifications, or technical guides
- If total document is under 60 pages, submit complete document
- Collaborative Development Agreement (if applicable):
- Required when multiple copyright holders exist
- All parties must register accounts and complete identity verification
Step 3: Application Process
3.1 Application Type Selection
- Select “Computer Software Copyright Registration Application”
- Choose “I am the applicant”
3.2 Software Application Information
- Rights Acquisition Method: Original acquisition
- Software Full Name: Must be concise and consistent across all materials (e.g., “XXXX Blog System”)
- Software Abbreviation: Leave blank if none; must differ from full name if provided
- Version Number: Follow standard format (V1.0 or 1.0)
- Rights Scope: Full rights
3.3 Software Development Information
- Software Classification: Application software (for most web/mobile applications)
- Software Description: Original work
- Development Method: Independent development (other methods require additional agreements)
- Development Completion Date: Actual completion date
- Publication Status: Unpublished (if published, provide first publication date and location)
3.4 Copyright Holder Information
- Country: China (or applicable country)
- Region: Province/city location
- Identity Category: Individual, enterprise, or institution
- Unified Social Credit Code: Required for entities
3.5 Software Features and Technical Specifications
Example Technical Environment Details:
- Development Hardware: Quad-core Intel i5 CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 10Mbps network
- Runtime Hardware: Server minimum 2GB RAM, 40GB storage; Client minimum 4GB RAM, 16GB storage
- Development OS: Windows 10
- Development Environment: JDK8, Node.js 16.17.1, Vue3
- Development Tools: IntelliJ IDEA, VSCode
- Runtime Platform: CentOS 8.9
- Supporting Software: JDK8, nginx-1.24.5, MySQL 5.0+
- Programming Languages: Java, JavaScript, HTML, SQL, Python
- Source Code Lines: Actual line count (use IDE plugins like Statistic for accurate counts)
Additional Required Information:
- Development Purpose: Business objective and intended use
- Target Industry: Education, e-commerce, healthcare, etc.
- Main Functions: Core software capabilities
- Technical Characteristics: System architecture, scalability, security features
Step 4: Document Submission and Review
- Print and Sign: Generate signature page and sign (entities must affix official seal)
- Submit Application: Upload all required documents
- Status Tracking: Monitor application status (moves to “Pending Review”)
- Processing Time: 30-60 days for standard processing
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Inconsistent naming: Ensure software name matches across all documents
- Insufficient code samples: Meet minimum line requirements per page
- Missing signatures/seals: Complete all required authentication steps
- Incorrect file formats: Submit only PDF documents as specified
- Incomplete technical specs: Provide detailed development and runtime environments
What are Common Rejection Reasons and How Can I Avoid Them?
Common rejections reasons include:
- Incomplete Documentation
- Missing required signatures or seals
- Inconsistent company names across documents
- Insufficient source code samples
- Software Name Issues
- Names conflicting with existing registrations
- Names violating Chinese naming conventions
- Unclear or overly generic software descriptions
- Software name does not match the name used in the application.
- Ownership Disputes
- Unclear copyright ownership chains
- Missing authorization documentation
- Conflicting claims from multiple parties
- Technical Documentation Problems
- Source code that doesn’t match described functionality
- Documentation in languages other than Chinese
- Inadequate operation manual detail
The proven way to avoid these rejection reasons is to ensure that all of the application details are correct and required documentation is accounted for. If you are unsure or need help with your application, you can contact us and we will lead you through every step of the application process.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Software Copyright Certificate?
- Standard processing: 30-60 days from submission
- Expedited processing: 15-30 days (additional fees apply)
- Priority processing: 7-15 days (for urgent business needs)
Processing times have improved significantly since 2020 due to digital transformation initiatives at the China Copyright Protection Center.
How Can Foreign Companies Register for Software Copyright Certificates?
Option 1: Chinese Subsidiary Registration
Best for: Companies with existing Chinese operations
- Register through your WFOE or joint venture
- Full control and ownership retention
- Longer processing time due to additional verification
Option 2: Service Provider Registration (Recommended)
Best for: Most foreign companies without Chinese presence
- Service provider holds certificate on your behalf
- Contractual guarantee of ownership rights
- Fastest processing and simplest documentation
- Full IP ownership retention through legal agreements
Option 3: Direct Foreign Entity Registration
Not recommended due to:
- Complex notarization requirements (2-3 months additional time)
- Limited acceptance by some major app stores
- Higher rejection rates and processing complexity
- Significant cost increases due to extra document processing requirements.
What Happens after Registration?
Once approved, you receive:
- Digital Certificate: Official electronic document with unique registration number
- Public Registration: Listed in the National Copyright Administration database
- Legal Standing: Full rights to enforce copyright in Chinese courts
- App Store Eligibility: Ability to publish on all major Chinese platforms
Certificate Management:
- Validity: Permanent (no renewal required)
- Changes: Name changes require new applications
- Transfers: Can be transferred to other entities with proper documentation
- International Recognition: Recognized in countries with bilateral IP agreements with Chin
Recent Regulatory Updates (2024-2025)
Confirmed Updates:
- Apple Search Ads Requirement: Software Copyright Certificate is now mandatory for running Apple Search Ads campaigns in mainland China
- Electronic Copyright Certificates (eSCC): China has introduced APP Electronic Copyright Certificate services through a joint platform providing online APP copyright registration, electronic certificate loading, and authentication services
- App Store Requirements: Major Chinese app stores, including Huawei AppGallery, now accept both traditional Computer Software Copyright Certificates or App Electronic Copyright Certificates for app publication
What is an Electronic Software Copyright Certificate (eSCC)?
An Electronic Software Copyright Certificate (eSCC) is a digital version of the traditional Software Copyright Certificate that offers several advantages:
Key Features of eSCC:
- Digital Format: Electronic certificates that can be processed and issued more quickly
- Online Authentication: Built-in verification systems for authenticity checking
- App Store Integration: Direct compatibility with major Chinese app stores and platforms
- Streamlined Process: Online application and faster processing through digital workflows
Benefits of eSCC over Traditional Certificates:
- Faster Processing: Digital submission and review processes reduce approval times
- Easier Verification: Electronic certificates can be instantly verified by app stores and authorities
- Cost Effective: Lower administrative costs compared to paper-based processes
- Enhanced Security: Digital signatures and encryption provide better security than paper certificates
eSCC vs Traditional SCC: Which Should You Choose?
| Aspect | Traditional SCC | Electronic SCC (eSCC) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | 30-60 days | 15-30 days (estimated) |
| Format | PDF document | Electronic certificate with verification |
| App Store Acceptance | Accepted by all stores | Accepted by major stores (Huawei confirmed) |
| Verification | Manual document review | Instant electronic verification |
| Cost | Standard fees | Potentially lower processing costs |
How Can AppInChina Help?
While individual registration is possible, professional services like AppInChina offer significant advantages, this includes:
- Documentation Support: Professional preparation ensuring less friction due to formatting or technical errors
- Regulatory Expertise: Up-to-date knowledge of changing requirements and submission best practices
- Expedited Processing: Leveraging established relationships for faster approval timelines
- Comprehensive Protection: Active monitoring and enforcement against unauthorized software distribution
- Ongoing Support: Certificate maintenance, updates, and regulatory compliance monitoring
Contact us to get started with your SCC in China.