Tokyo, July 3, 2014 - The Content Overseas Distribution Association (hereafter “CODA”) and Rakuten, Inc. today announces the signing of a memorandum agreeing to fight copyright violating products (pirate products) appearing on the Rakuten Ichiba online shopping mall.
Specifically, when the sale of a pirated product is suspected on the Rakuten Ichiba, the agreement will see Rakuten purchase the product in question to investigate its legitimacy, and check through the CODA to determine whether there is any infringement of copyright. When a copyright violation is confirmed, Rakuten will take steps based on its contract with the merchant to urge the removal of information about the product in question from the website and other measures.
In recent years, the rise of e-commerce websites and internet auctions has facilitated a dramatic increase in opportunities for individuals to sell goods online. At the same time, there are reports of trading among individuals of pirate copies and other copyright-violating goods.
Given this situation, the CODA has led the fight against illegal distribution of copyright infringing products through a range of initiatives. Rakuten is also striving to create a safe and secure shopping environment for its customers and has taken measures to eliminate copyright violation products and pirate copies in particular.
The CODA and Rakuten will strive to establish a more sound and healthy online marketplace going forward.