CC allows some rights to be reserved by the original creator, while others are public domain. It claims to expand the range of creative works available for others to build upon legally and share.
"As the traditional intellectual property protection system gets more and more rigid, the space for public resources is narrowed down, and it’s an obstacle for creativity," said Wang Chunyan, a professor at Renmin University law school who introduced CC into the Chinese mainland in 2006.
The creators can choose to waive some rights, allowing others to develop their idea. "We want our creations to be known to the public, so they must enter the market," Wang Shenglin said.
"So, we can give the commercial rights to some enterprises with enough power and money to develop concepts into mature products."
But he admits the system is far from perfect.
"If the product is successful and we have waived the commercial rights, we will get nothing in return. So, it's still difficult to keep the balance in this system."
Editor: Shi Liwei
Print
Save