Protecting a Compilation Work in China: How We Secured Copyright Registration for a UK Client's 80-Design Tarot Card Set in Just 7 Working Days

Foreign brands entering the Chinese market often underestimate one thing: original artwork, illustration sets, card game designs, and pattern collections can be copied and sold online within weeks of launch. For creators of visual compilation works — such as tarot card decks, sticker packs, pattern libraries, or illustrated card sets — China copyright registration is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to build a legal foundation for enforcement.

In this article, we walk through what a "compilation work" (汇编作品) means under Chinese copyright law, why registering compilation copyright in China matters for overseas rights holders, and how we helped a UK-based client obtain a China copyright registration certificate for an 80-design tarot card compilation in just 7 working days, well ahead of the standard 30 working-day timeline.

What Is a "Compilation Work" Under Chinese Copyright Law?

Under the Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China, a compilation work is a work formed by selecting or arranging existing works, fragments of works, or materials that do not themselves constitute a copyrightable work, where the selection or arrangement itself reflects originality. In other words, Chinese law protects not only individual creative elements, but also the creative judgment behind how those elements are chosen, organized, and presented as a set.

This is a critical distinction for anyone searching for guidance on how to register a compilation work copyright in China, because it means two layers of protection may exist simultaneously:

• Copyright in each individual artistic element (for example, each of the 80 tarot card illustrations, which may separately qualify as a "fine art work" or 美术作品)

• Copyright in the compilation as a whole (the selection, sequencing, structure, and overall presentation of the 80 designs as a unified deck)

Common examples of compilation works recognized in China include anthologies, databases, encyclopedias, illustrated pattern sets, sticker collections, and — as in our client's case — tarot card design compilations.

Why a Tarot Card Deck Qualifies as a Compilation Work in China

An 80-card tarot deck is a strong candidate for compilation copyright protection because:

• It consists of numerous independent artistic works (each card illustration)

• The selection, numbering, thematic grouping, and visual sequencing of the 80 designs reflect the original creative judgment of the author

• The overall deck functions as a single commercial product, distinct from any individual card

This structure means that registering the compilation as a whole — rather than relying only on protection of individual illustrations — gives the rights holder a more complete and enforceable form of China artistic compilation copyright protection.

Why Register Compilation Work Copyright in China? (And Why It Matters for Foreign Rights Holders)

A common misconception among overseas clients is that copyright registration is unnecessary because copyright arises automatically upon creation, even without registration, under both Chinese law and international treaties such as the Berne Convention. This is technically correct — but in practice, registered copyright in China carries significant evidentiary and enforcement advantages that unregistered rights simply do not have.

1. Stronger Evidence for Enforcement and Takedowns

A China copyright registration certificate issued by the China Copyright Protection Center (CPCC) serves as prima facie evidence of ownership and creation date. This is essential for:

• Filing takedown complaints on platforms such as Taobao, Tmall, Xiaohongshu (RED), Douyin, and Pinduoduo

• Supporting China Customs IP recordal against counterfeit or pirated exports

• Providing admissible evidence in administrative complaints or civil litigation

Without a registration certificate, rights holders often face delays and pushback from platforms and enforcement authorities, who typically require documentary proof of ownership before acting.

2. Protection Against Copying and Unauthorized Reproduction in China's Fast-Moving Market

Visual products like tarot decks, illustrated card sets, and pattern-based merchandise are highly vulnerable to rapid, low-cost duplication once they appear on Chinese e-commerce or social platforms. For a foreign author seeking copyright protection for artwork sold or manufactured in China, early registration is one of the few practical tools available to deter copying and support fast enforcement action if infringement occurs.

3. Supporting Licensing, Manufacturing, and Commercial Deals

A registered compilation copyright also strengthens the rights holder's position when:

• Licensing the design set to Chinese distributors or publishers

• Working with Chinese manufacturers or printers for physical card production

• Demonstrating clear ownership during due diligence for investment or partnership discussions

For these reasons, China copyright registration for foreign compilation works is increasingly treated not as an optional formality, but as a core part of brand protection strategy for creators, publishers, and design studios selling into or manufacturing in China.

The Standard Registration Process and Timeline for Compilation Copyright in China

The standard process for registering artwork copyright or compilation copyright in China generally involves:

1. Preparing a description of the compilation work, including the selection and arrangement logic behind the 80 designs

2. Submitting sample images or reproductions of the artwork

3. Providing applicant identification documents (for overseas individuals or companies, this typically includes notarized or otherwise certified identity documents)

4. Filing the application with the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC)

Under normal processing conditions, the standard timeline for China copyright registration is approximately 30-45 working days. While this is still relatively fast compared to many other jurisdictions, it can be too slow for clients who are:

• Launching a product imminently in the Chinese market

• Already seeing signs of copying or unauthorized reproduction

• Negotiating a licensing or distribution deal with a deadline

This is exactly the situation our UK client faced.

Case Study: Expedited 7-Working-Day Compilation Copyright Registration for a UK Tarot Card Client

Our client, a UK-based independent tarot card designer, had created an original 80-design tarot card compilation intended for both online sales and physical distribution. Given the visual and highly reproducible nature of tarot card artwork, the client wanted to secure a China copyright certificate for the tarot card compilation as quickly as possible — both to deter potential copying and to be prepared for enforcement if infringement occurred after launch.

Our Approach

To meet the client's urgent timeline, our team:

• Conducted a pre-filing review of all 80 designs and the compilation structure to minimize the risk of office actions or correction requests

• Prepared a precise description of the work as a compilation, clearly articulating the originality of the selection and arrangement of the 80 individual designs

• Compiled and verified all required applicant documentation for a UK-based rights holder

• Filed through an expedited copyright registration service available for qualifying compilation and artistic works

The Result

Instead of the standard 30 working-day processing period, our client received their official China copyright registration certificate in just 7 working days.

This accelerated timeline gave the client:

• Documentary proof of ownership before the product's China-facing launch

• A ready-to-use enforcement tool in case of early copying or unauthorized reproduction

• Confidence to proceed with licensing or manufacturing discussions in China without exposure gaps

For creators asking "how fast can I register copyright for artwork in China" or "can I expedite Chinese copyright registration for a compilation work," this case demonstrates that with the right preparation and filing strategy, significantly faster timelines are achievable for qualifying works.

Key Takeaways for Foreign Rights Holders

• Compilation works are protected as a whole in China — the original selection and arrangement of visual elements (such as an 80-card tarot deck) can be registered and protected independently from the individual artworks within it.

• Registration is not legally mandatory, but practically essential — a China copyright registration certificate is the single most useful piece of evidence for takedowns, customs enforcement, and litigation.

• Foreign designers and studios are especially exposed to copying once products appear on Chinese platforms, making early registration a proactive risk-management step rather than a reactive one.

• Expedited registration is possible for time-sensitive launches, licensing deals, or situations where infringement risk is already apparent.

Conclusion

For illustrators, card game designers, and creative studios producing compilation works such as tarot decks, pattern collections, or illustrated sets, China copyright registration is a foundational — and often underused — tool for protecting original creative work in one of the world's largest and fastest-moving consumer markets. Registering the compilation as a whole, rather than relying solely on protection of individual designs, gives rights holders a stronger, more complete basis for enforcement.

Need to Register Copyright, Trademarks, or Patents in China?

TMRegisterChina is a licensed Chinese trademark and copyright agency with over 10 years of experience helping overseas clients protect their brands, artwork, and inventions in China. We have served clients from more than 40 countries, including designers, publishers, manufacturers, and studios seeking fast, reliable China trademark registration, China copyright registration (including software copyright), and China patent filing services.

If you have a compilation work, illustration set, card game design, or other creative asset that needs protection in China — including expedited registration for time-sensitive launches — contact TMRegisterChina to discuss your options.

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