Plagiarism Debate Reignites Over 'Nian Lun' Song, Sparking Intellectual Property Concerns
A long-standing controversy surrounding allegations of plagiarism against the song "年轮" (Nian Lun) has resurfaced, sparking heated debates across social media platforms. The song, written and composed by Silence Wang, was released in June 2015 as an insert song for the TV drama "花千骨" (The Journey of Flower). At the center of the controversy is the accusation that "年轮" plagiarized the song "蝶恋" (Die Lian), the theme song for the online game "仙剑Online" (Chinese Paladin Online), released in May 2009.
2 August 2025
Netizens have created side-by-side audio comparisons of the two songs, with some noting similarities in the main melodic lines, particularly in the chorus. However, professional musicians, such as Deng Ke, have argued that occasional melodic resemblances in songs with similar tempos and meters do not necessarily constitute plagiarism. According to Deng Ke, true plagiarism requires more than eight bars of identical melody and rhythm.
The recent dispute between Silence Wang and Zhang Bichen, who performed a version of "年轮," over the original singer rights of the song has brought renewed attention to the plagiarism allegations. Despite the debate, many have come to the defense of "年轮," citing the nuances of music composition and copyright law.
The controversy has sparked a mixed reaction from the public, with some expressing skepticism and frustration that an old issue is being rehashed, while others are raising new accusations or expressing surprise. Social media users are divided between those who consider the accusation baseless and those who believe there are valid grounds for the plagiarism claims.
The incident has significant implications beyond the music industry, touching on intellectual property protection, societal perceptions, and potential political considerations. A knowledge property lawyer noted that legal recognition of musical plagiarism requires "contact + substantial similarity," highlighting the challenges in intellectual property protection within the creative arts.
The controversy also reflects public sentiment regarding fairness, originality, and ethical conduct. Widespread discussion and comparisons made by netizens demonstrate a growing awareness and concern about intellectual property rights among the general public. The incident may also lead to a loss of trust in the artistic and entertainment industries if plagiarism is perceived to be rampant and unaddressed.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding "年轮" and "蝶恋" serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and promoting original creation in the music industry. As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the allegations will be substantiated and what implications this will have for the music industry and beyond.
