게시일 · South Korea

China’s Government Website Copyright Rules: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

A guide for foreign founders on using content from Chinese government websites, based on the official website statement from www.gov.cn. Learn about copyright, attribution, and practical steps for compliance.

Understanding the Chinese Government Website Statement

For foreign entrepreneurs setting up a business in China, official government websites are essential sources of regulations, policies, and procedures. However, the content on these sites is protected by specific rules. The following summary is based on the website statement (网站声明) of the Chinese central government portal (www.gov.cn), and it outlines what you need to know to avoid legal pitfalls when using such material.

Key Points from the Website Statement

The statement, issued by the operator of the government portal, sets out clear conditions for using the content published on the site. Here are the main takeaways:

• Content sources: The website’s content is provided by central and local government bodies, government websites, and related entities.
• Commercial reproduction prohibited: No media outlet, website, or commercial organization may reproduce the content for commercial purposes in its original form. Additionally, the content must not be distorted or altered.
• Copyright ownership: The copyright of the website’s content belongs to the website.
• Paper versions prevail: If there is any discrepancy between the online material and the corresponding paper text, the paper text is authoritative.
• Third-party content: For information and services provided by other entities, reproduction is not allowed without direct authorization from the respective provider.

Why This Matters for Foreign Founders

As a foreign founder, you may need to reference government content when preparing registration documents, complying with regulations, or marketing your business. Misusing this content could lead to legal issues. Understanding these rules helps you:

• Avoid copyright infringement when creating your own materials.
• Ensure that any government information you share is accurate and unaltered.
• Know when to seek permission for using third-party content.

Practical Guidance for Using Government Content

Here are some practical steps to stay compliant:

• Do not reproduce for commercial purposes: If you plan to use government content in advertising, product packaging, or any revenue-generating activity, you must obtain permission or avoid direct reproduction.
• Do not alter the content: You may not distort or modify the information in a way that misrepresents the original meaning.
• Check for paper versions: For critical legal or regulatory information, always refer to the official paper documents if available, as they are the authoritative source.
• Seek authorization for third-party content: If the content is attributed to another entity, contact that entity directly for permission to reproduce.

How to Contact the Website Operator

The statement does not provide specific contact details for permissions, but it indicates that the website is operated by the Government Website Operation Center under the General Office of the State Council. For inquiries, you may need to reach out through the official channels listed on the website.

Additional Details from the Website Statement

The website includes several identifiers and registrations that confirm its official status:

• Website identification code: bm01000001
• Beijing ICP license: 05070218
• Beijing Public Security Registration: 11010202000001

These details can help you verify the authenticity of the site when conducting research.

Conclusion

Foreign founders should treat content from Chinese government websites with care. By following the rules outlined in the website statement—avoiding commercial reproduction, refraining from alterations, and seeking proper authorization—you can use official information responsibly while protecting your business from potential disputes.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.