Multiple New Criminal Complaints Filed for AV Copyright Infringement via BitTorrent
Aka-Renga Law Offices has filed and had accepted multiple criminal complaints against individuals for illegally uploading AV content via BitTorrent. This action targets infringers who refuse to settle, signaling a move towards criminal prosecution for persistent copyright violations. The firm emphasizes its thorough evidence-gathering process and its commitment to pursuing legal action, including criminal charges, in cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (17h 39m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 00:52 (371h 13m after Collected)
Aka-Renga Law Offices (Representative Attorney: Hisashi Sugiyama) filed criminal complaints with a Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, for the illegal uploading of AV copyrighted works using BitTorrent, and these complaints have been formally accepted. Currently, cases of copyright infringement that cannot be resolved early outside of litigation are being moved towards criminal proceedings.
【Background Leading to Acceptance of Criminal Complaints】
Aka-Renga Law Offices began its response to infringement by users who upload and share copyrighted works without permission via BitTorrent in 2022. They have commissioned specialized investigation companies and have filed several thousand claims to date. They are collecting evidence that can withstand criminal proceedings, not only considering court trends but also the nature of copyright infringement cases, conducting evidence collection with a depth distinct from other law firms.
Due to recent circumstances and strong requests from copyright holders, they are actively pursuing criminal complaints against some infringers who do not agree to early settlement negotiations. It has come to our attention that there are professionals providing advice to copyright infringers that is legally unreasonable, such as stating that there is no need to settle, which we evaluate as extremely inappropriate legal representation for infringers. Therefore, this action specifically targets infringers represented by legal counsel who are strongly advocating such policies. With the acceptance of the criminal complaint by a Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, a full-scale investigation by law enforcement agencies will now commence.
【Reality of Copyright Infringement Using BitTorrent】
BitTorrent is a P2P communication technology that allows users to directly share files in a distributed manner over the internet, and it was originally developed for legitimate data transfer. However, in recent years, its misuse for illegal activities such as unauthorized uploading and sharing of copyrighted works like videos, music, and books without permission from copyright holders has become severe and continues to this day.
【Previous Enforcement Cases】
This acceptance of a criminal complaint is not the first criminal case handled by the firm. In February 2025, a Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department also filed and accepted criminal charges against multiple infringers for unauthorized uploading of copyrighted works using BitTorrent, leading to searches and seizures. The individuals involved in that case, similar to the current one, were represented by legal counsel and were engaged in negotiations, but refused to respond sincerely and rejected settlement talks.
【Future Outlook】
Aka-Renga Law Offices has received disclosure decisions for all thousands of requests for sender information disclosure filed to date, accumulating a high track record in identifying infringers.
Based on this track record, the firm plans to continue and expand criminal complaints against infringers who do not agree to settlements, in cooperation with police departments nationwide. We are issuing a renewed warning that illegal downloading and uploading activities are subject to criminal penalties under copyright law.
【About Aka-Renga Law Offices】
・Hisashi Sugiyama Representative Attorney at Aka-Renga Law Offices (Belongs to Sapporo Bar Association)
While primarily specializing in corporate legal support with an eye towards IPO (Initial Public Offering), the firm also possesses extensive experience in copyright infringement cases utilizing P2P networks and BitTorrent.
They are well-versed in both civil and criminal proceedings related to illegal file sharing.
Name: Aka-Renga Law Offices
Representative: Attorney Hisashi Sugiyama
Established: April 1, 2014
Headquarters: 5-14-1 S1 W, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Office: Sapporo
URL: https://akarenga-law.com/
【Inquiries Regarding This Matter】