Abstract:

Letter is a tool for the emotional exchange between the writer and assignee But the controversies on celebrities’ letters auctions rise one after another It has been comprehensively discussed within the legal profession whether it is legal or not to auction celebrities’ letters, and whether there are any infringement acts during auctions Private letters could become the object of protection by copyright law while they meet the specific requirements of works legitimated in copyright law According to the event of Qian Zhongshu’s letter auctions, double limitations of proprietary right and publication right of private letters’ assignee are legally analyzed, and relevant legal obligations of letters possessors and auction companies are demonstrated In order to protect copyright and owners’ legitimate rights and interests, China should improve relevant legislations and regulations as soon as possible, establishing continuance copyright system and consulting system of celebrities’ letter auction

Key words: celebrities&rsquo, letters, be auctioned, copyright, protection