Introduction to Copyright Law (Revised Edition)

Author: Shen Rengan & Zhong Yingke
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-10-01
Features: This book provides an in-depth yet accessible discussion on the fundamental principles, legislative purposes, subjects and objects, rights restrictions, infringement, legal liability, and international protection of copyright law. It has been revised based on the latest legislative and research achievements both domestically and internationally, accurately introducing relevant international conventions and legislative developments. Since the promulgation of the "Great Qing Copyright Law" in 1910, modern copyright systems in China have nearly a century of history. Among the hundreds of millions of cultural workers and those participating in cultural activities, there are still not many who understand copyright law and can use it to protect their creative rights; there are also not many who consciously abide by the law and respect others' intellectual labor. However, those who adhere to the belief that "all literature is one big copy" and follow the philosophy of Kong Yiji ("stealing books cannot be considered theft") are still quite common. In a country with thousands of years of civilization, such phenomena still occur in the 21st century. Apart from social, historical, economic, and value-related reasons, the weak copyright awareness of the entire society may be a very important factor. Lenin once said: "Workers could not have socialist consciousness by themselves. This consciousness could only be instilled from the outside" (See Selected Works of Lenin, Volume 247, page 247, People's Publishing House, 2nd Edition, October 1972). Similarly, as an important part of human rights, copyright awareness cannot spontaneously emerge in a country with a strong tradition of feudal autocracy and a weak tradition of democracy and the rule of law. Therefore, it is necessary to "instill" copyright legal knowledge to the public, especially to cultural workers and those participating in cultural activities. May the publication and re-publication of this book help in this "instillation." This book is a co-work by Zhong Yingke, the former Editor-in-Chief of the China Legal Publishing House, and myself. When the revised "Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China" was promulgated, Mr. Zhong Yingke had already passed away, leaving behind his beloved career in copyright and publishing. For the re-publication of this book, Ms. Shi Jingwen, the wife of Mr. Zhong Yingke (formerly a compiler at the Legal Publishing House), authorized me to revise it according to the situation. I deeply miss my old friend, Mr. Zhong Yingke, and sincerely thank my old friend, Ms. Shi Jingwen. Additionally, I would like to thank my friends who encouraged, supported, and helped with the publication and re-publication of this book. Special thanks go to Mr. Song Muwen, former Director of the National Copyright Administration; Mr. Liu Gao, former Deputy Director of the National Copyright Administration; Mr. Yang Deyan, General Manager, and Mr. Meng Chuanliang, Secretary, of the Commercial Press; Mr. Jiang Yuan, Deputy General Manager of the Commercial Press; Mr. Zhang Wenda, former President of the Heilongjiang Education Press; Mr. Bai Jingkai, former Chief Editor of the Heilongjiang Education Press; Mr. Li Baoyi, former President and Chief Editor of the Liaoning Education Press; Ms. Wang Shen, former Deputy Chief Editor of the Liaoning Education Press; and Ms. Zhai Lifeng of the Copyright Department of the National Copyright Administration.