Kodansha Triumphs in Russian Copyright Lawsuit, Setting Precedent for Anime and Manga IP

Japanese publishing powerhouse Kodansha has achieved a significant legal victory, successfully winning a pivotal copyright infringement lawsuit against Russian entity IQ Art Management LLC. This landmark decision, handed down by the Leningrad Regional Arbitration Court, unequivocally affirms Kodansha's intellectual property rights and sets a robust precedent for creators and rights holders worldwide. The core of the dispute revolved around IQ Art Management's illicit commercial exploitation of 18 distinct works owned by Kodansha. This unauthorized usage occurred during a public exhibition held in St. Petersburg between April and October 2023, where these copyrighted materials were displayed and utilized without any form of licensing or permission from the rightful owners.

Following a thorough review of the evidence and arguments presented, the court determined that 15 of these works were indeed subject to clear and undeniable copyright infringement. Consequently, the Russian firm has been mandated to pay a substantial 3.75 million rubles in damages to Kodansha, a sum intended to compensate for the unauthorized commercial use of their intellectual property. In addition to the damages, IQ Art Management LLC is also responsible for covering 26,000 rubles in legal fees incurred by Kodansha during the protracted legal process. Kodansha initiated legal proceedings on July 4, 2024, promptly after discovering the egregious infringement earlier that year. The court's judgment became final on June 24, 2025, as neither party opted to file an appeal, cementing the ruling's authority and ensuring its immediate enforceability.

This decisive outcome underscores Kodansha's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its vast catalog of creative works against illicit commercialization. Company officials have underscored the profound importance of this legal triumph, particularly in solidifying copyright protection against unlicensed commercial exploitation on an international scale. The victory sends a clear and resounding message: Kodansha is resolute in its mission to vigorously defend the rights of its creators and publishers, signaling zero tolerance for future infringement attempts. This case starkly illuminates the persistent global challenges faced by Japanese publishers and anime studios in their relentless efforts to protect intellectual property from unauthorized appropriation, especially within burgeoning overseas markets like Russia, where legal frameworks and enforcement can sometimes be complex.

The unauthorized use of intellectual property, whether through exhibitions, merchandise, or digital distribution, poses a significant threat to the financial stability and creative integrity of the anime and manga industry. This ruling provides a powerful tool for Japanese companies to pursue legal action against entities that seek to profit from their creations without proper authorization, thereby ensuring that the economic benefits flow back to the original creators and legitimate rights holders. It reinforces the principle that intellectual property rights are universal and must be respected across borders, regardless of local interpretations or enforcement challenges.

Among the infringed works, the globally celebrated manga and anime series 'Attack on Titan' stands out prominently. As a flagship title within Kodansha's prestigious portfolio, its inclusion in the lawsuit further amplifies the significance of this ruling. The successful litigation establishes a crucial benchmark for the protection of high-profile anime and manga franchises from unauthorized commercial use abroad, ensuring that the original creators and rights holders retain absolute control and receive due compensation for their invaluable intellectual properties. This case serves as a stern warning to potential infringers worldwide that major Japanese publishers like Kodansha are prepared to take decisive legal action to protect their assets, no matter the jurisdiction. It is a testament to the growing global recognition of Japanese cultural exports and the necessity of robust legal frameworks to protect their integrity and commercial value.