China unveils copyright plan for 2026-30

China has unveiled its copyright development plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), outlining goals to refine the legal framework, enhance law enforcement and leverage emerging technologies to promote cultural prosperity and advance the country's intellectual property development.

Released online by the National Copyright Administration on Monday, the plan targets the annual registration of 9.5 million works by 2030, up from 7.49 million in 2025.

The plan highlights the need to update copyright regulations in line with advances in big data, blockchain and artificial intelligence. It also focuses on strengthening protections for online literature, gaming, audiovisual content, and foundational and industrial software.

A key component of the strategy is the development of a fair-use system for AI training data, with the aim of balancing innovation with the protection of creators' rights. The plan also proposes fast-track channels for resolving copyright disputes in areas including e-commerce platforms, trade fairs, cross-border transactions, and licensing and import-export activities.

Over the next five years, China will work to standardize the copyright registration process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. Efforts will also be made to promote the commercial application of copyrights through exhibitions and trade events, allowing intellectual property rights to be more fully monetized.

Internationally, China will continue to engage in bilateral and multilateral negotiations on copyright rules. The plan emphasizes advancing domestic legislation and global treaty efforts to protect copyrights in folklore and works of intangible cultural heritage.