Japanese Publisher Suing nHentai for Alleged Piracy Spurs Legal Battle

Japanese Publisher PCR Distributing Initiates Legal Action Against nHentai Piracy Site

Japanese publishing firms are intensifying their fight against online piracy. In a notable development, publisher PCR Distributing has turned to legal recourse against the notorious piracy website, nHentai. A significant portion of PCR Distributing's adult content has been available on nHentai, provided for free. The piracy site's influence is impressive, with reports standing at 80 million visitors in the month of June alone. The unfolding judicial drama has been marked by a claim from nHentai that PCR Distributing had sought a mutually beneficial arrangement that included the acquisition of banner space on the site.

Evidence Exposed By nHentai's Legal Team

In a counter-argument that raises eyebrows, the legal team at nHentai has brought to light a couple of emails they attest originate from PCR Distributing's personnel. A notable mention from these emails, dated 2020, suggests a tolerant stance towards piracy, acknowledging the role it plays in the creation of a market for anime or manga in the West. The sender expresses indifference towards initiating legal battles against piracy sites.

Alleged Interest in Banner Space and Doubt Over Authenticity of Emails

The contentious emails also indicated a desire to secure banner advertising space on nHentai. According to the mentioned correspondence, the banners would be non-intrusive and primarily serve fans who wish to possess physical, uncensored, and English translations of their preferred doujinshi. PCR Distributing's legal representatives, however, have expressed skepticism about the authenticity of these alleged emails. They stated that these emails, even if authentic, do not confer a license or consent to utilize their client's copyright-protected contents.

Multiple DMCA Notices Disregarded by nHentai

Adding fuel to the ongoing legal tussle, PCR Distributing's lawyers reported that nHentai has received several Digital Millennium Copyright Act notices since 2020. However, they claim that the piracy site has chosen to ignore these notices, further bolstering their client’s position against nHentai.