Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Japanese porn makers demand cash from Taiwanese

Ap
Wednesday 14 April 2010 03:37 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Eight Japanese pornographic film producers are demanding compensation from Taiwanese cable and telecom companies they say are using their work without authorization, a lawyer representing the producers said today.

The case may depend on whether Taiwanese authorities rule that adult films are creative works protected by copyright law.

Chen Shih-ing said that the Japanese producers are seeking royalties from Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd., Taiwan Mobile Co. Ltd., and other unnamed Taiwanese telecom and cable TV providers to make up for an estimated New Taiwan dollars 1 billion ($30 million) in annual losses.

He said the companies are allowing customers to download the films onto a variety of platforms, including mobile phones, without providing compensation in return.

Speaking to reporters Taipei, Chen said he was basing his case on a Taiwanese law assigning intellectual property rights to creative works. He said his clients will give Taiwanese companies one month to negotiate before they face legal action.

In a statement, Taiwan's Intellectual Property Office said the question of whether adult films are creative works needed to be decided on a case-by-base basis.

A Chunghwa official declined to comment on the case, while Taiwan Mobile said it was looking into the issue.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in