Protection Of Intellectual Property Law On TV Program Format

As the mutual clone phenomenon of TV programs in China, the legal protection ofTV program format causes concern in both academic and non-academic areas. TVprogram format refers to a part of frame of TV programs, and this framework iscomposed of organic combination of multiple factors. According to this framework, theaudience can know the theme of the TV program and distinguish the difference formother programs. In recent years, there are more and more registrations and trades ofcopyright going on among Mainland China. However, TV program format is a relativelynew concept, therefore the protection of intellectual property for TV program can besaid to be in a state of “vacuum”. So, it leads a large number of legal disputes.According to analyses the intellectual property protection toward TV program format offoreign countries, then give a suggestion on establishing the relevant intellectualproperty law protection of TV program format in our country.This issue is divided into four parts. Firstly, I propose a concept of TV programformat and then analyze the characteristics and significance of this concept. Secondly, Ilist the relevant cases of TV program format from Britain, the United States, NewZealand, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands. Thirdly, I focus on the protection anddefects of TV program in mainland China. Lastly, I give a suggestion on intellectualproperty protection on TV program format. This thesis proposes we need strengthenintellectual property law and anti-unfair competition law’s protection towards TVprogram format. I hope it will cast light on the juridical practice of the protection on TVprogram format.This thesis mainly adopts logical analysis methods, historical research methods,comparative research methods, and literature research methods.