A comprehensive guide to character copyright registration! We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. (Including practical aspects of Chinese copyright)

Lately, opportunities for merchandise, content, and brand collaborations have been increasing significantly with just a single character.

However, just as many cases of my character being used without permission are also increasing.

❝ Isn't that character too similar to my character?❞

❝ This isn't official merchandise...❞

If you are having these concerns, now is the time to think together about how to protect your character.

The status of IP protection is a very important factor when pursuing collaboration with brand partners.

This is because copyright registration status serves as the foundation of mutual trust in business relationships.

In particular, legal protection is essential when entering into a license agreement to ensure that the wording is clear and that liability is clearly established in the event of a dispute.

Wait! ✋ But isn't it protected under Korean copyright law even without registration?

Our country's copyright law adopts the 'no formalities principle'.

In other words, copyright is automatically generated from the moment of creation, and it can be legally protected without any separate registration or publication procedures.

But how can I prove that I made it first?

Copyright arises automatically the moment of creation, but proving that you are the author if a problem occurs is a completely different story.

Let's assume the following situation occurred.

One day, I received a report that merchandise using my character without permission was being sold.

While discussing a collaboration with a brand, this question came up.

❝ By any chance, is the copyright registered?❞

I found stolen content and plan to report it to the platform.

I heard the news that a similar character registered a trademark first.

A legal dispute has arisen, and I need to submit evidence.

In such cases, if you have registered the copyright, you can prove that you are the IP holder without having to provide complex explanations or separate proof.

Simply put, copyright registration is a mechanism that allows you to protect your rights more conveniently than the process of acquiring them.

Since the earlier registration date carries stronger evidentiary weight, preemptive registration is essential to assert your rights when the same character appears later.

How do I register a copyright? 👀

You can easily register online through the Korea Copyright Commission's electronic registration system.

I will guide you through the registration process step-by-step from start to finish!

✔️ Preparations before copyright registration

• Certificate (Joint Certificate)

  
  

• Character image files (1 per character):

  File formats such as jpg, bmp, gif, png, etc.

✔️ Check copyright registration procedure

✔️ 🔗Korea Copyright Commission Electronic Registration System join the membership

First, please access the Korea Copyright Commission's electronic registration system and register as an individual or business member.

Once you have completed registration, you can register your copyright by following the steps below!

1️⃣ Access the [General Work Registration] menu

2️⃣ Click [Online Registration]

Please select [Copyright (General)] from the left menu and click the orange [Online Registration Application] button at the bottom.

3️⃣ Check copyright registration status

Before applying, check if the same work is already registered.

Please select 'No' and click the [Next] button.

✔️ Reference Application Type

• New Registration: When the work to be registered is not currently registered for copyright.

• Additional Registration of Continuing Publications: If a work is already registered as a continuing publication, you can register an additional continuing publication to the existing work.

• Registration of Publication Date: If a publication date has not been entered for an already registered work, you can register an additional publication date.

4️⃣ Select Applicant Status

When filling out a copyright registration application, the first thing to check is the applicant's identity.

This is because the required fields and attached documents vary depending on the applicant's status (principal, representative, or heir).

Please check the cases below that match your type and select one.

👤Self-application

• If the person who directly created the character (IP holder) applies under their own name

• You only need to enter the applicant's information.

👥 Application by proxy

• In cases where a third party applies on behalf of the IP holder

• You must enter information for both the applicant (agent) and the principal (creator).

• Attachment of power of attorney, copy of ID, etc. is mandatory.

🧾 Heir Application

• When the heir proceeds with registration in the event that the IP holder has passed away

• Enter Applicant (Heir) + Deceased (Creator) Information

• Documents such as a family relationship certificate and death certificate are required.

5️⃣ Fill out applicant information

Please fill out the applicant information.

The yellow sections are mandatory fields that must be filled out, and you cannot proceed to the next step if they are omitted.

The customer number is automatically generated, so you do not need to enter it separately.

6️⃣ Submission of Attached Documents

• In the case of corporations, etc., if the requirements for ‘works created in the course of employment’ are met, the submission of a [Certificate of Confirmation of Works Created in the Course of Employment] is required.

• Requirements for works created in the course of employment are pop-up window > 🔗announcementPlease check the post at.

• Please download the confirmation form attached to the post, fill it out, and attach it.

This is the step of preparing the core documents for copyright registration.

The information entered here cannot be changed once registration is complete, so it is important to fill it out carefully.

7️⃣ Upload clone

This is the step of attaching the image file to be registered.

Since the submitted file serves as the evaluation standard, please attach a basic front image file in formats such as jpg, bmp, gif, png, etc., in accordance with the [Reproduction Guide] below.

Please submit 1.

Please check that all information has been entered correctly, then press the [Save] button to save your application!

8️⃣ Review submitted documents and pay fees

You can check the documents you have created in the [My Copyright] > [Application Archive] menu.

Please click [Pay Fee] at the bottom right to complete the payment. A fee of 23,600 KRW is charged per character.

9️⃣ Application complete

You can check the registration processing status in real time in the Home > My Copyright > Application Status menu.

Wait a moment✋Why Do You Need to Pay Special Attention to Character Copyright Registration in China?

Especially when planning to expand overseas, determining 'how much registration is required' becomes a significant concern.

Korea, China, and Japan are all signatories to the Berne Convention.

In other words, in principle, if you have registered a copyright in one country, you can receive basic copyright protection in other member countries without separate registration.

In that case, it is easy to think, "If I just register in Korea, I can be protected in China or Japan as well."

However, while China adheres to the Berne Convention regarding its copyright system, it is a country that requires a separate strategic response in practice.

When a dispute arises within China, the judgment criteria of the administrative agency (the Administration for Industry and Commerce, currently the State Administration for Market Regulation) are as follows:

If you are considering expanding your business overseas, especially into China, it is essential to register within China to ensure safety.

1️⃣ Double registration of copyright + trademark

• Character Image = Copyright

• Character Name/Logo = Trademark

• You must register both to effectively respond to imitation or copy products.

2️⃣ ‘Insurance’ for dispute prevention

• A registration certificate in China is like insurance. It is the only weapon that allows for a quick response when a problem arises.

To summarize

• Korea/JapanBasic protection is possible thanks to the Berne Convention.

• chinaDespite being a signatory country, separate copyright registration is required in practice.

If you are doing global IP business, registering copyrights in China is not an option, but a strategy.

Even if it is a bit of a hassle at first, preparing in advance is a much safer path in the long run.

In addition, when entering the Chinese market, filing through a local patent law firm specializing in character IP business is an essential strategy.

📩 Related Inquiries:licensing@inabooth.io