Infringement of Photographic Works on Marketplaces: A Study of the Chinese Experience

This article aims to provide an extensive analysis of the Chinese experience regarding the infringement of photographic works on marketplaces, offering valuable insights into the causes, scale, and implications of this pervasive issue. It explores the challenges faced by photographers in protecting their intellectual property rights, the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of marketplace policies and enforcement mechanisms, and the role of technological advancements, such as content filtering algorithms, in tackling infringement issues. Moreover, this study investigates the economic consequences of photographic copyright infringement on photographers, marketplace platforms, and the image licensing ecosystem as a whole. By analyzing the financial impact, including potential revenue losses, reduced market competitiveness, and implications for artistic innovation, this research sheds light on the urgency of addressing the issue and implementing effective preventive measures. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive understanding of the infringement of photographic works on marketplaces, with a specific focus on the Chinese experience. It contributes to the existing literature on copyright protection and online marketplace governance, aiming to raise awareness, inform policy decisions, and guide future research in combating this pressing issue within the photography industry. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.