The situation: A foreign photographer discovers a Chinese company is using their photos on its website or in advertising materials without a licence.
Applicable law: The Chinese Copyright Law (amended 2021) protects foreign works under the Berne Convention and TRIPS. Protection is automatic at creation without registration, and lasts 50 years for most works. Damages (Article 54): 500 to 5 million yuan depending on the harm and scope, with a court order to stop use.
Typical outcome: Sending a written cease-and-desist notice, then filing a lawsuit in the competent People's Court or an Intellectual Property Court if one exists in the city.
📑 Commercial cases · Awareness case
Copyright Infringement — When Your Work Is Used Without Permission · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 著作权法 / Copyright Law 2021
A foreign writer or photographer discovers their work is being used commercially in China without their permission. What protection does Chinese law provide?
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Lesson: Keep clear evidence of originality and date (RAW files, metadata). China is today one of the strictest regimes for intellectual property rights following recent reforms.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026