Software Copyright Registration
Overview
Since July 1, 2017, all major Android app stores in China require developers to provide a Software Copyright Certificate (SCC) as part of the app submission and compliance process. This certificate serves as official legal proof of ownership and copyright over your app in China, and is often the first step before other filings, such as ICP registration.
Obtaining this certificate strengthens your intellectual property rights and enables enforcement in cases of infringement or impersonation.
What is a Software Copyright Certificate?
The Software Copyright Certificate (SCC) is a legal document issued by the Copyright Protection Center of China (CPCC). It formally certifies the copyright ownership of a software product (such as a mobile app), and provides a legal basis for protecting against unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, or modification.
App stores, regulatory bodies, and IP enforcement agencies in China recognize this certificate as a foundational piece of documentation for compliance and rights protection.
Who Needs It?
You will need to apply for an SCC if:
- You plan to distribute your app in Chinese Android app stores (e.g. Huawei, Xiaomi, Tencent, Vivo, Oppo)
- You intend to apply for ICP filing, security assessments, or trademark/IP protection
- You want to protect your app from clones, infringement, or unauthorized listings
This certificate is required for both local Chinese developers and foreign developers working with a Chinese entity or partner.
Required Materials
| # | Item | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | App Name | Yes | Must match the name used in your app store submission and APK |
| 2 | App Version | Yes | Example: v3.2.1 |
| 3 | Version Completion Date | Yes | The date when development of this version was finalized |
| 4 | First Publication Date | Yes | The date this version was (or will be) released publicly |
| 5 | Estimated Source Code Length (lines) | Yes | Estimate of total lines of code (for official record) |
| 6 | Programming Language | Yes | E.g. Java, JavaScript, Kotlin, Swift, HTML |
| 7 | Source Code (at least 3,000 lines) | Yes | Submit as plain text or PDF, must be representative of your app |
| 8 | User Manual or Feature Description | Yes | A written guide explaining the app’s functionality |
| 9 | APK File (Optional) | Optional | Helps us preview your app and prepare materials if needed |
The source code submitted does not have to be complete, but it must be sufficient to demonstrate independent development.
Approval Timeline
The official approval period for SCC applications is approximately 10 weeks from the date of submission. However, delays may occur due to backlogs or document revisions.
We monitor your application status and assist in responding to authority requests if additional materials are needed.
Fast-Track Alternative (Optional)
If you're unable to wait for the standard 10-week approval time, there is a temporary workaround:
You may apply for a third-party digital copyright certificate — commonly referred to as “App Electronic Copyright Certification” (APP软著认证电子版权) — issued by certified agencies in China. Although this certificate does not carry the same legal weight as the official Software Copyright Certificate (SCC), it is accepted by many major app stores as a temporary compliance measure.
- Processing time: around 2 weeks
- Valid for: app submission and temporary publishing only
- Legal protection: limited — not valid for IP litigation or enforcement
Once the official SCC is approved, it should replace the temporary certificate for all future regulatory use and IP protection.
We can assist with both the expedited digital certificate and the full SCC application in parallel to ensure fast app store launch and long-term compliance.
Need Help?
We offer full assistance with software copyright registration in China, including document preparation, formatting, submission, and status tracking.
Contact us to get started or ask questions about the SCC process.