Bandai Cracking Down on Fansubbers

[Nekusagi]

http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/bandai_sends_firm_warning_to_fansubbers/1701/

Bandai has sent out a press release warning fansubbers against illegally downloading, fansubbing and redistributing their titles, including the forthcoming Ghost in the Shell film, Solid State Society.

In the press release, Bandai CEO Ken Iyadomi stated that fansubs are not only harmful to their company, but the industry as a whole. He says that the company is prepared to take serious legal action against people who illegally distribute their titles in the future.

...This doesn't bode well. If Bandai is successful, other anime dubbing companies may start following suit. And I think we all know who'll jump on that first...

Thoughts?

 

[Geodude]

Then why don't they recognize the obvious demand and do something about it?

 

[Habunake]

Ah god....

Hope this doesn't mean no more Keroro Gunsou subs!

 

[paperfairy]

Oh shit, we are screwed.

 

[bell02+]

I think that's only for the GitS movie, which I find is understandable.

 

[birdboy2000]

I'd respect a "no fansubs" move from Bandai a lot more if they bothered to release First Gundam with a subbed track. x.x

 

[Kijuna]

Oh no. If they stop the savers/02 subs someone is going to die.

 

[bell02+]

Like I said, they were spcifically telling Fansubers to not subtitle Solid State Society. It has nothing to do with Keroro Gunso, Digimon, or Gundam subtitles. Bandai has made claims like this with series before (specifically Ghost in the Shell S.A.C) but I don't remember if they were as serious as they are now.

Bandai has always been an indirect supporter of fansubs.

 

[birdboy2000]

Does Bandai even have the rights to the digimon anime? I thought that was TOEI... though I know Bandai does the toys/games/stuff.