Beijing Deploys Blockchain for Copyright Enforcement

The Beijing People’s Procuratorate, in collaboration with the Copyright Protection Center of China, has introduced one of the country’s earliest blockchain-powered copyright prosecution frameworks. The initiative integrates a dedicated copyright protection chain aimed at strengthening verification processes and improving the efficiency of evidence review in legal proceedings.

Authorities explained that the system was designed to address persistent challenges in copyright-related cases. These include confirming the authenticity of ownership documentation, tracing the origin of rights, and validating complex chains of authorization and transfer. By leveraging blockchain infrastructure, the platform is expected to streamline these processes and reduce the burden on prosecutors handling intricate intellectual property disputes.

Rising Caseload and AI-Driven Risks

Officials from the Beijing procuratorate noted that copyright-related criminal cases have shown consistent annual growth over the past three years. Civil supervision cases reportedly accounted for more than half of all such matters, exceeding the 50 percent threshold. Data published in a White Paper indicated that Beijing’s prosecutorial bodies handled 1,195 intellectual property cases in 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 10.34 percent. These included criminal, civil, administrative, and public interest litigation cases, reflecting a broad expansion in enforcement activities.

Dou Libo, an intellectual property prosecutor, indicated that advancements in artificial intelligence have significantly complicated the verification landscape. He explained that new methods of falsification have emerged rapidly, making it increasingly difficult for prosecutors to independently assess the authenticity of submitted copyright certificates. As a result, authorities often need to rely on extensive evidence collection and verification procedures.

He further observed that copyright registration data remains fragmented, lacking a centralized and authoritative verification channel. Additionally, copyright transactions frequently involve multiple layers of sublicensing and intricate contractual arrangements, which complicate efforts to confirm authorization when segments of the ownership chain are incomplete.

Blockchain Enhances Evidence Integrity

The newly launched system utilizes blockchain’s tamper-resistant properties to establish a closed-loop workflow encompassing submission, comparison, and feedback. This structure enables rapid authentication of certificates while identifying inconsistencies or falsified data. The platform is also connected to the Digital Copyright Chain, allowing for broader data integration.

For complex copyright transfers, the system can consolidate ownership confirmation records and authorization details. This capability helps reconstruct the entire lifecycle of a registered work, from its initial creation through subsequent transfers and contractual filings. Authorities suggested that such transparency would significantly improve prosecutorial accuracy and efficiency.

Expanding Scope of Intellectual Property Cases

The White Paper further highlighted a growing number of cases linked to emerging sectors. Prosecutors reportedly handled 113 intellectual property disputes related to artificial intelligence and data, covering issues such as AI-driven infringement, the legal classification of training data, and ownership of data-based intellectual property.

Meanwhile, disputes within cultural and creative industries remained a major focus. Beijing recorded 122 criminal copyright cases, with over three-quarters involving sectors such as film, animation, and gaming. These industries continue to face persistent challenges related to unauthorized distribution and content misuse.

The report also indicated an increase in foreign-related intellectual property disputes. A total of 244 such cases were handled, accounting for just over one-fifth of the total caseload. These cases spanned areas including trademark violations, copyright enforcement, and geographical indication protections.

Commitment to Equal Protection

The Beijing procuratorate emphasized that its approach is grounded in the principle of equal protection for all rights holders. Officials indicated that this principle has gained widespread recognition, particularly in cases involving international stakeholders. By combining blockchain technology with legal oversight, the new model is expected to enhance trust, transparency, and consistency in copyright enforcement across jurisdictions.

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