In a recent copyright infringement case in Singapore, the High Court has ordered a local Network Service Provider (NSP) to furnish Japanese Anime copyright owners with the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of the NSP’s subscribers who had illegally downloaded Anime titles. Anime refers to a distinct type of cartoon animation originating from Japan.
The facts of the case are rather interesting. The case was filed by licensee Odex Pte. Ltd. (“Odex”), a Singapore company (and not the licensor/copyright owner). Odex is licensed to distribute various Anime titles in Singapore.
In its Statement of Claim, Odex requested that the NSP release the IP addresses of subscribers who were downloading Anime titles illegally. However, it was unsuccessful in obtaining the IP addresses as it was determined that Odex was not an exclusive licensee in Singapore.