Handbook helps litigants involved in software disputes

A handbook outlining what evidence should be provided during a copyright dispute involving computer software was issued by a Beijing court on Thursday, in a bid to give parties easier access to litigation services while improving judicial efficiency.

The brochure was published by the Beijing Intellectual Property Court, which has handled an abundance of such disputes over the past few years. The court found that many litigants have difficulties collecting and presenting evidence for their cases.

Since the court was established in November 2014, it has filed some 5,000 civil cases regarding computer software copyright, of which nearly 4,000 have been concluded, according to Song Yushui, vice-president of the court.

Song said that the number of such cases is still rising, and that those disputes are mainly centered on copyright ownership, infringement and computer software contracts.

She highlighted the importance of protecting IP rights in the software industry, "as it has been a core part of the digital economy and has played a big role in promoting the country's high-quality development."

"We made the handbook to provide stronger IP protection in the sector and help litigants figure out what they need to prepare if they get involved in a software-related lawsuit," she added. "We hope it provides more convenience for litigants and ensures the quality of relevant case hearings."