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China's Government Website Copyright and Reproduction Rules: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

A practical guide for foreign founders on the copyright and reproduction rules of Chinese government websites, based on the official website statement of gov.cn. Learn how to legally use government information for your business in China.

Understanding the Official Website Statement

When operating a business in China, foreign founders often rely on government websites for regulations, policies, and official notices. However, the content on these sites is not free for unrestricted use. The Chinese government's portal, gov.cn, has published a clear website statement outlining the rules for reproducing its content. This article summarizes those rules and explains what they mean for foreign entrepreneurs.

Who Provides the Content?

According to the statement, the content on the website is provided by central and local government bodies, government websites, and related units. This means that much of the information originates from various official sources, not just the central portal. For foreign founders, this indicates that the information is authoritative but also that different providers may have different rights and requirements.

Copyright Ownership

The statement specifies that the copyright of the website and the content it involves belongs to the website. This means that the site itself holds the rights to the materials published on it. Foreign founders should be aware that using content from the site without permission could infringe on these rights.

Restrictions on Reproduction

The statement includes several key restrictions on how the content can be used:

• No commercial reproduction in original form: Media outlets, internet sites, and commercial organizations are prohibited from using the content for commercial purposes by reproducing it exactly as published. This means you cannot simply copy and paste content from the site for commercial use.
• No distortion or tampering: Any distortion or alteration of the published content is forbidden. This ensures that the information remains accurate and unmodified.
• No unauthorized reproduction of third-party content: Media and internet sites are not allowed to reproduce information and services provided by other units without permission. To reproduce such content, one must directly contact the providing unit to obtain legal authorization.

Precedence of Paper Texts

The statement notes that if the materials provided on the website do not match the relevant paper texts, the paper texts shall prevail. This is important for foreign founders who may rely on online versions of laws and regulations: the official printed versions are the authoritative ones.

Implications for Foreign Founders

For foreign entrepreneurs setting up or operating a company in China, understanding these rules is crucial. Here's what you should keep in mind:

• Use government information responsibly: While you can use the information for reference, you should not reproduce it for commercial purposes without permission. This includes using it on your company's website, marketing materials, or other commercial publications.
• Seek permission when needed: If you wish to reproduce content from the site, especially for commercial purposes, you should contact the relevant providing unit to obtain legal authorization. This may involve reaching out to the specific government body that originally published the information.
• Verify with official sources: Always check the paper versions of laws and regulations to ensure accuracy, as online content may not always reflect the latest amendments or may contain errors.
• Avoid distortion: When quoting or referencing government information, ensure that you do not distort or misrepresent the content. This is not only a legal requirement but also essential for maintaining credibility with Chinese authorities and partners.

Operational Details

The statement also provides some operational details about the website:

• 主办单位 (Host): The State Council General Office (国务院办公厅) is the host of the website.
• 运行维护单位 (Operating and Maintenance Unit): The China Government Network Operation Center (中国政府网运行中心) is responsible for operation and maintenance.
• Copyright: The copyright belongs to the China Government Network (中国政府网).
• Website Identification Code: bm01000001
• ICP License: 京ICP备05070218号
• Public Security Registration: 京公网安备11010202000001号

These details can help foreign founders verify the authenticity of the website and understand its official status.

Practical Steps for Compliance

To stay compliant while using government websites for business purposes, foreign founders should consider the following steps:

• Review the website statement: Before using any content, read the website's disclaimer and copyright notice to understand the rules.
• Contact the source: If you need to reproduce content, identify the original provider and request permission. This is especially important for content that is not produced by the central portal itself.
• Use content for reference only: Avoid incorporating government content directly into your commercial materials without authorization. Instead, summarize or reference it appropriately.
• Keep updated: Government policies and regulations change frequently. Regularly check official sources and rely on paper versions for legal certainty.

Conclusion

Navigating the rules of government website content is part of doing business in China. By respecting copyright and reproduction restrictions, foreign founders can avoid legal risks and build a trustworthy reputation. For more guidance on registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.

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