Are maps copyrighted works?

Nowadays, people think that maps are very common, but in fact, the people who create maps have put a lot of effort into it. Some map creators do not want their works to be used hastily without creating value for themselves, so they plan to apply for copyright for the map, but it is not clear whether it falls within the relevant scope. The editor of Legal Savior Network introduced relevant content.

Is the map a copyrighted work

Does not belong. Map works should reflect originality in the overall composition, selection and presentation of objective geographical elements. A simple combination of publicly known geographical information does not possess originality and does not constitute a map work within the meaning of copyright law. The act of collecting and providing actual map data and checking whether there are any omissions or errors in the data belongs to the work of assisting map drawing and cannot be regarded as a creative act.

Legal provisions

"China Article 11 of the Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China stipulates: Copyright belongs to the author. The citizen who created the work is the author. If there is no evidence to the contrary, the citizen, legal person or other organization who signs the work is the author.

"Regulations on the Implementation of the Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China" Article 3 stipulates: Organizing work for others’ creations, providing consulting opinions, material conditions, or performing other auxiliary work are not considered creations.

"Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Trial of Copyright Civil Dispute Cases" stipulates: A natural person, legal person or other organization that signs a work or product is deemed to have copyright , the right holder of copyright-related rights and interests, unless there is proof to the contrary.

If it is determined to be a copyrighted work, it can obtain copyright protection and thus obtain a certain legal value. You can first clarify the scope of the copyrighted works before applying. For the scope of copyrighted works or If you want to apply for copyright, come to the Legal Savior website for detailed consultation. Our lawyers will give you detailed answers.