030: CHINA LEGAL ADVICE

Jesse Weiner

030: CHINA LEGAL ADVICE

American lawyer and China media expert, Jesse Weiner gives legal advice on how to protect your IP in China, what you need to attract a Chinese financier, and hope for a reset of US-China relations.

Jesse Weiner Co-Managing Partner, Head of Entertainment & Media Practice at YK Law talks about legal advice regarding the danger of slapdash deals, the power (or lack of) US copyright in China, how to copyright your IP in China, and what you need to attract a Chinese financier.

THREE KEY POINTS

China Legal Advice re Slapdash agreements

Beware deals signed on the back of a napkin. Talk to a lawyer. Slapdash agreements can and usually do backfire. And be aware of the deal agreement’s jurisdiction. Moreover, if you plan on doing a project in China, it’s best to use a Chinese contract that is subject to Chinese law.

China Legal Advice re copyright

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

Copyright your script in China.  You can register online, but you need a Chinese phone number.  You can buy a temporary Chinese number on Skye for a few dollars. The China copyright website is www.ccopyright.com.  The organization is called the Copyright Protection Center of China (CPCC).  中国版权保护中心 Zhōngguó bǎnquán bǎohù zhōngxīn.

Remember it’s not automatic that a foreigner must hand over their copyright in order for the Chinese film producer to obtain the film license. You can give your Chinese producer an authorization letter to use your copyright to register your script with the film bureau. It all depends on the deal you make.

Legal advice re Chinese Copyright

US copyright might not be enough. China recognizes the jurisdiction of the USPTO (the United States Patent and Trademark Office). Nonetheless, in a Chinese court – you will need a lot of foreign documents that must be notarized with your state consulate, authorized by the Chinese consulate, and much more. It’s cheaper just to get the Chinese copyright.

THREE TAKEAWAYS

Chinese Producers and Legal Advice

Consequently, How do you stack the deck to attract a Chinese producer? Jesse mentioned that Chinese studios prefer finished films (which means the risk is all on you). However, if you haven’t shot your film, you should have a). A completed script, b) a pitch deck c) a finance plan, and d) make sure your project can be exhibited in China (see my link to a blog 4 Ways to Beat the Chinese Censors below).

Advice on US-China Relations

Indeed, Jesse says it’s less likely the Biden administration will have the previous knee-jerk reaction to China. Consequently, there may be a more nuanced and realistic approach to China. This may lead to a thawing of the relations which means greater business for everyone.

Relationship Advice

Furthermore, learn some Chinese. As a result, no one expects a Westerner to quickly master Mandarin. Even learning a few words or sentences will be greatly appreciated by your Chinese counterparts.

The Asia-Hollywood Greenlight Podcast – Episode 30

Jesse Weiner Co-Managing Partner, Head of Entertainment & Media Practice

Show Notes

Host: Caryn McCann

Sister website: ChristmasMovieScreenwriter    

Facebook: Asia Hollywood Greenlight    

Facebook: Christmas Movie Screenwriter      

LinkedIn: Caryn McCann    

Twitter: Asia Hollywood Greenlight    

The blog mentioned:   4 Ways to Beat the Chinese Censors 

Guest:  Jesse Weiner Co-Managing Partner, Head of Entertainment & Media Practice

Company:        YK Law   

The case mentioned during the interview: Taiwan novelist wins plagiarism case against mainland scriptwriter

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