On September 6, 2024, Japan’s CODA (Content Overseas Distribution Association) announced a significant development—the US court is collaborating with major anime industry players Aniplex and Toho to combat piracy and address leaks affecting the anime community.
A US court has reportedly issued an order that could greatly influence the situation surrounding the anime industry. This order mandates the identification of individuals behind accounts responsible for leaking popular anime series, including Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen. These leak accounts engaged in unauthorized activities, obtaining and sharing clips and screenshots of episodes prior to their official release.
For the first time ever a US Court has issued an order to disclose the personal information of X/Twitter Leaker Accounts in relation to “Jujutsu Kaisen”and “Kimetsu no Yaiba”The copyright protection association CODA is currently investigating leaks related to other anime…
— Manga Mogura RE (Manga & Anime News) (@MangaMoguraRE) September 6, 2024
As reported by AnimeAnime, a Japanese news source, this US order compels platforms to disclose the identities of the online leakers.
This case stems from a request made by Aniplex and Toho, members of CODA, to a US court in June 2024 regarding “leak accounts” that acquire anime before it officially airs or is distributed online. The court issued the disclosure order on August 20, with the service procedure executed by August 30.
Leaks of popular manga series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer before their official release dates are common. However, this investigation may lead to the identification of leakers.
Demon Slayer concluded its manga in 2020, while Jujutsu Kaisen is expected to finish in September 2024. Additionally, series like One Piece and Oshi no Ko frequently experience leaks, highlighting the urgent need for action against such violations.
[Correction & Clarification] It was pointed out that this post had incorrect info and when I double checked, it does so here’s the corrections• For this specific case, CODA filed a petition to the US Courts to look into the situation, in which said US Courts themselves issued… https://t.co/g5rWkj0Zhb
— 🧭MangaAlerts #uw7s🌊 (@MangaAlerts) September 6, 2024
The rights holders, Aniplex and Toho, requested the disclosure order in June after CODA gathered evidence of multiple leaks. This action marks the first instance of a US court addressing leaks affecting Japanese anime. Moreover, similar investigations are ongoing for other titles, suggesting that this legal situation remains dynamic and uncertain.
The shift in the treatment of leaks highlights a changing landscape for Western fans, who historically felt secure from repercussions for leaking unauthorized manga materials, especially those not licensed in the West. The recent focus on copyright issues in Japan signifies a new era for the anime industry.
More info regarding this: it seems to focus on twelve X/Twitter accounts that posted images and short clips of the anime of “JJK”and “Kimetsu no Yaiba”as well as openings and endings before official release. The twelve accounts have been selected because they posted… https://t.co/0f0BchQ0iL
— Manga Mogura RE (Manga & Anime News) (@MangaMoguraRE) September 6, 2024
Previously, Japan had requested international assistance in addressing manga leaks and piracy issues. In 2019, authorities in the Philippines deported a Japanese individual for operating the pirate site Manga-Mura.
The impact of leaks on companies such as Shueisha and Toho is substantial, as each leak garners significant attention. While leaks remain common on social media, they continue to carry a negative connotation. New series such as Kagurabachi openly oppose leaks, with creators even preventing a JJK leaker from revealing spoilers from the series.
After careful consideration, I’ve decided to withdraw from leaking Kagurabachi ON TWITTER. I’ll always do what the community thinks is right because I really am part of you guys, and I won’t force anything on anyone. If you don’t want this out in the open, then I won’t do it 1/2 pic.twitter.com/sjWDrh4kzL
— Myth (@f9x00) September 2, 2024
In June 2024, Aniplex and Toho, part of CODA, filed a petition aimed at uncovering the identities of individuals leaking anime prior to their official release. This petition was subsequently approved by a US court.
CODA intends to impose severe penalties on the leakers once their identities are revealed, suggesting a bleak future for those involved.
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