Page 326 - A Study on the Role of UGC Platforms in Copyright Law：An Intermediary-oriented Approach

A Study on the Role of UGC Platforms in Copyright Law: Appendix 13 Interview Record (Participant L)
An Intermediary-oriented Approach

kind of creation. The second stage of formal creation is creating from scratch. Usually it
doesn’t take a long time.
But I have to say that how long it takes depends on different circumstances. Because a work
is not finished until you put your name on it. Before putting my name, I will revise for
many times until one more brushing is redundant while one less brushing is insufficient.

Huang: You must devote a lot to your creation! Do you remember in which year did you
begin your journey of creation?
Participant L: I began my creation until 2014. I went to university that year and taught by
experienced professors. We combine training and creating.
Huang: Have your works been uploaded online or publicized through other means? Have
you earned some profit from creation?
Participant L: Yes, they have been uploaded to the WeChat public account run by my friend
in China. I earned Singapore $ 40 (200 RMB).
Huang: Wow, congratulations! Have you work been used in Singapore?
Participant L: Nope. I am also curious about it (laugh). Maybe it is because my work is a
traditional Chinese painting so it attracts Chinese market. Or maybe we have to accept
that China’s internet industry is developed better than that in Singapore. Ah, I remember
I once saw my painting in a newspaper but with other’s name.
Huang: Do you complain to the newspaper or contact the unauthorized users?
Participant L: Yes, I contacted the newspaper with some evidence about my creation of the
work. They send a apology letter for me.
Huang: No compensation?
Participant L: Perhaps no. I don’t remember exactly as it happens three years ago.

Huang: Thank you for sharing your expericne with me. Could I ask why you create, to meet
the requirement of the faculty, to entertain yourself, to share with friend, to earn profit, or
something else?
Participant L: First, it is our course requirement. By meeting the compulsory requirement, I
also improved myself. Second, I choose creation as my career because I like it. I will not
think of selling my work unless someone orders.

Huang: Who is the copyright owner of the works you create? The faculty, the teacher, or
the creator yourself? Do you have signed contract on this issue? Did the faculty or the
university has announced some copyright statements at the beginning of your studying in
the university?
Participant L: We own the copyright. I have no idea about the contract you mention.
Sometimes our work would be collected by our faculty for free. But I don’t think
professors have the right to keep our works.

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