Isn't it true that if an anime isn't licensed in the US...
Isn't it true that if an anime isn't licensed in the US...
It's legal to download by a US citizen because of the way the laws work?
-
Vamp [Bot]
- Fuck You
- Posts: 914
- Joined: Fri Feb 17, 2006 10:15 pm
-
Zephie-chan
- Anime God
- Posts: 384
- Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2003 12:04 am
- Location: Mondex, FL
- Contact:
General legalities state that it is illegal to download anime that is licensed in the US, or fansub them for that matter. However, when it comes to genuine fansubs (not DVD rips), US companies tend to ignore most of them -- with the exception of FUNimation who take their licenses very seriously.
In general, fansubs are illegal and violate the rights of the Japanese comapnies no matter what language/where it's released, but since fansubs are directed towards other countries and languages outside of Japan, the Japanese companies see no noticable decline in their sales and thus completely ignore fansubs period. In the known history of fansubs, which span a good six or seven years, there have only been two or three instances where Japanese companies have politely requested that fansubs cease production.
US companies shutting down fansub groups for the English market are rather frequent however, since their revenue does decline because of them.
All in all, yes, downloading anime is TECHNICALLY illegal no matter what, but the companies turn a blind eye anyway and I doubt that will ever change unless the US recieves an MPAA for anime. And the only people that are ever affected are the fansub groups; the downloaders not being a factor at all. As required by law, fansub groups are presented and warned with an official Cease and Desist order from the US licensing company to stop producing English fansubs of their anime before they can be legally sued.
I personally believe downloading unlicensed anime fansubs is okay. I do not condone nor do I believe in downloading anime that is licensed in the US, whether it be fansubs or DVD rips (especially DVD rips which I avoid and detest like the plague).
EDIT: Avoid, at all costs, all anime movies licensed by Disney or Miramax. They are protected under the laws and rules of the MPAA.
In general, fansubs are illegal and violate the rights of the Japanese comapnies no matter what language/where it's released, but since fansubs are directed towards other countries and languages outside of Japan, the Japanese companies see no noticable decline in their sales and thus completely ignore fansubs period. In the known history of fansubs, which span a good six or seven years, there have only been two or three instances where Japanese companies have politely requested that fansubs cease production.
US companies shutting down fansub groups for the English market are rather frequent however, since their revenue does decline because of them.
All in all, yes, downloading anime is TECHNICALLY illegal no matter what, but the companies turn a blind eye anyway and I doubt that will ever change unless the US recieves an MPAA for anime. And the only people that are ever affected are the fansub groups; the downloaders not being a factor at all. As required by law, fansub groups are presented and warned with an official Cease and Desist order from the US licensing company to stop producing English fansubs of their anime before they can be legally sued.
I personally believe downloading unlicensed anime fansubs is okay. I do not condone nor do I believe in downloading anime that is licensed in the US, whether it be fansubs or DVD rips (especially DVD rips which I avoid and detest like the plague).
EDIT: Avoid, at all costs, all anime movies licensed by Disney or Miramax. They are protected under the laws and rules of the MPAA.
"On Earth I shall guard. In Heaven I shall fight. For Hell I shall rule." - The Ethereal Prophecy, Blood Guardians Novel
"Oh my god! My pee is red! ...Mmm, punch flavored..." - Zephie-chan
"Oh my god! My pee is red! ...Mmm, punch flavored..." - Zephie-chan