04/20/2006: "Square Enix Advent Children piracy case and new anti-piracy enforcement"

With the release of Advent Children only a few days away on both sides of the pond, Square Enix has today made a press release announcing a settlement it has reached after prosecution against an individual that uploaded the movie to the Google Video service. Square Enix has also announced that in connection with the movie's release, it will be "stepping up its anti-piracy enforcement with aggressive initiatives" against those it feels are infringing it's intellectual property rights.

Yasuhiko Hasegawa of Square Enix says in the press release:
"Any illegal activities, including the illegal uploading of Square Enix content to Internet sites and the unauthorized copying of Square Enix games, music, movies, images, and other intellectual property, will be prosecuted. While Square Enix appreciates the enthusiasm of its fans, and values its relationship with them, it is also obligated to protect its intellectual property rights or risk weakening or losing the very rights that enable the company to continue to provide its fans with an exciting entertainment experience."

Just what the impact of these new initiatives will be is unknown but it should be a sobering reminder for fans out there that Square Enix is going to be taking copyright infringement seriously.

To lighten the mood, please remember that the FFVII Citadel is running an AC themed competition to celebrate the DVD release with DVDs as prizes! Please check out this page for details.

Also, if you haven't already done so and can spare a few moments, please fill out our survey so we can get a better idea of who visits the Citadel. Thanks.

Posted by Seb at 04:26 PM EST

on Friday, April 21st, Daniel Shorten said

So what does this mean for people like Reeve and I who are using Square Enix intellectual property in our works of fiction?

Sounds a little scary...

on Friday, April 21st, Reeve said

I don't think this will affect fanfiction writers-- nor fanartists, for that matter-- unless they attempt to sell their work to earn a profit. I believe Square Enix's main target is people who illegally distribute movies (such as AC and the DC FMVs), MP3 files, and the like, on the Internet. (To be honest, I'm hoping they also go after the bootleggers who make shopping for legit FF goods on eBay a nearly impossible task.)

I don't think there's anything on the Citadel (or any of the other Blue Shinra Project-hosted sites) that would draw the ire of the company, but if we do hear from them regarding an intellectual property violation, we'll remove said content ASAP.

on Friday, April 21st, Iu-Hin said

I'm quite disappointed that SE is taking legal action only now, cos AC (and all their other works) is something they really deserve all the credit for. But they could have reduced the illegal distribution if they'd honored the initial release date, instead of making multiple delays. Really hope SE learns something from this... I'd hate to see such injustice happen to them again.

on Friday, April 21st, CloudANDTidus said

The fans would revolt against them if they pulled fan fiction and fan art. It's foolish. But yes, stopping ilegal downloading is a good idea. However they should go after torrents, not a stupid video on Google.

on Friday, April 21st, Gamingtrevor said

Yep. On the DVD, there are a ton of 'anti-piracy' notices... I doubt it's for casual fans, who like to have pictures and wallpapers, but more for the pirates who bootleg the movies... Either way, we'll all be fine. As long as you don't have the movie illegally downloaded on your comp (Not looking at anyone)...

on Sunday, April 23rd, Cloud-I-Roth said

I'm getting AC Monday! Oops, did that come out loud? I can't wait for it, but school starts tomorrow, but I must wait!