Based on information received from outside sources, the Japan-based anti-piracy organization, Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) verified the production and sale of pirated DVDs, which led to the arrest of an individual residing in Osaka Prefecture .
The pirated DVDs in question were all based on classic black-and-white films from Japan and overseas. The man had promoted and sold them under the claim that they were “public domain works with expired copyright protection,” and therefore legal. However, in reality, many of the works in question are still under copyright protection.
The man advertised his products with claims such as, “These are restored DVDs of black-and-white films that have been colorized using advanced video AI technology.” He was found to have duplicated and sold pirated DVDs—such as a colorized version of Godzilla, for which TOHO CO., LTD. holds the copyright—through flea market websites and similar platforms.
In October 2024, CODA, through related organizations, had issued a formal warning to the man, stating that his actions constituted copyright infringement and demanded that he immediately cease all related activity. However, the man continued his actions, leading CODA to request that the matter be treated as a criminal case through the National Police Agency.
This ultimately resulted in the arrest of the man in June, 2025, by officers from the Osaka Prefectural Police Headquarters and Toyonaka Police Station; on suspicion of violating the Copyright Act for producing and selling pirated DVDs.
Further reading
Arrest made for selling pirated DVDs of classic black-and-white films that had been colorized. Press release. June 17, 2025. Content Overseas D
Why it matters
CODA will closely monitor the details of the investigation and any future criminal trial, and will continue working to ensure proper copyright protection while implementing effective countermeasures against similar acts of infringement.
This activity was part of a project entrusted from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
