Qiong Yao, originally named Chen Zhe, became the "Queen of Romance" influencing generations with her heartfelt writing and intricate plots. She created about 100 works in her lifetime, including classics like *My Fair Princess*, *Misty Rain*, and *A Curtain of Dreams*. These works not only built dreamlike worlds for readers and viewers but also brought Qiong Yao substantial copyright income. It is estimated that her total copyright earnings exceeded tens of billions of RMB, with the global copyright fee for *My Fair Princess* alone reaching 1 billion New Taiwan Dollars. However, with Qiong Yao's passing, the ownership of this vast legacy and copyright protection issues have drawn widespread attention.

Qiong Yao's copyright legacy is not only a recognition of her creative talent but also a reward for her hard work. So, for the vast number of original authors, how can they protect their works and ensure their copyrights receive due respect and compensation? This involves the issue of applying for work copyright.

In China, applying for work copyright registration is a relatively complex but necessary process. The specific steps are as follows:

Prepare application materials:

Fill out the complete work copyright registration application form as required.

Submit the applicant's identity proof, such as an ID card or passport.

Provide proof of ownership, such as evidence of the completion time of the work or agreements for collaborative creation.

Submit a sample of the work, which may be in paper or electronic format.

Submit a description of the work, detailing the creative intent, creative process, and originality, signed by the author.

Submit the application:

Submit the prepared application materials to the National Copyright Administration or a designated registration institution.

The registration institution will review and accept the application materials; if the materials are complete and meet the requirements, the applicant will be notified to pay the fee.

Pay the registration fee:

The applicant pays the registration fee as required by the notice.

Review and certificate issuance:

After accepting the application, the registration authority will review it.

Upon approval, the registration authority will produce and issue the copyright registration certificate, and simultaneously publish the registration information of the work in a public notice.

Through copyright registration, original authors can ensure their works are legally protected and avoid infringement by others. At the same time, copyright registration serves as an important basis for resolving copyright disputes. Once a work is infringed, the copyright holder can use the copyright registration certificate to protect their legitimate rights and interests through legal means.

Qiong Yao's copyright legacy and her creative experience tell us that the value of original works is immeasurable. Therefore, every original author should value their copyright protection, apply for copyright registration as early as possible, and use legal means to safeguard their creative achievements. Only in this way can we, like Qiong Yao, make our works eternal classics that will be passed down through generations.