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3 Titles' Fansubs Pulled on Behalf of Japan's d-rights (Updated)

Last week, Funimation exercised a power-of-attorney agreement to remove online fansubbed videos of Monochrome Factor, Nabari no Ou, and Katekyo Hitman Reborn! (pictured at right) on behalf of d-rights, the Japanese production company of these anime titles. Funimation and d-rights' agreement also covers Bamboo Blade and El Cazador de la Bruja.

The power-of-attorney agreement does not necessarily mean that these titles have a North American video distributor, but the agreement does enforce d-rights' existing worldwide copyrights for these series. Funimation has a separate power-of-attorney agreement for Slayers Revolution on behalf of Enoki Films, Ltd. Funimation sent notices on behalf of the anime studio Gonzo for Romeo × Juliet, Bokurano, and other Gonzo titles between last year and this year. Funimation eventually acquired Romeo × Juliet for North American distribution this year, but a North American distributor for Bokurano has not been announced.

Thanks to CatzCradle for the news tip.

Image © Akira Amano/Shueisha, TV Tokyo, Reborn! Production Committee

Update: Funimation issued the following statement on August 18:

We can confirm that FUNimation Entertainment has obtained has obtained an agreement authorizing FUNimation to act on behalf of d-rights and Enoki Films, Ltd. to prevent infringement on specific titles.

The authorization agreement for d-rights is for 5 series in total:

Monochrome Factor

Nabari no Ou

Kateikyoushi Hitman Reborn!

Bamboo Blade

El Cazador de la Bruja

We also have an authorization agreement for Enoki Films Ltd for Slayers Revolution.

Though these series have not been licensed to a local distributor in North America, it is important to note that the rights owned by Japanese producers are still applicable, and enforceable, worldwide.

Industry watchers and anime fans have long known our stance on the unauthorized distribution of anime, especially prior to localization. The practices of illegal downloads and 'fansubbing' are very harmful to our Japanese partners and as part of the longstanding relationship between FUNimation and d-rights and Enoki Films, we have been asked to monitor and take action against unauthorized distribution of these titles. Because we believe that this will benefit the industry, we have agreed to do so.