Policies of software protection: The practice of China

Policies on software protection can embody the development of a nation's information industry and its respect for international regulations. However, the requirements of legislation and execution measures of these policies vary between nations in view of their different practical national conditions. This paper studies the software protection policies in China and highlights some experiences which may also be applicable to other Asian countries. With regard to legislation, China adopts the principles of “pragmatism” and “gradualism”, which not only consider the national conditions but come into line with international standards. As for the execution of these polices, China applies the “dual track system” i.e. joint law enforcement by judicial authorities and administrative organs, while simultaneously conducting special administrative checks carried out by multi-departments in every region of the country. This functions as an effective and necessary supplement to legal software protection in China.