Court Orders Disclosure of Illegal Uploader Information in Copyright Infringement Lawsuit
The Tokyo District Court ordered SoftBank to disclose information of illegal music uploaders using BitTorrent, strengthening copyright enforcement by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 22:02
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (15h 36m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 00:40 (347h 1m after Collected)
The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) announced today, March 26, 2026, that the Tokyo District Court has issued a ruling ordering SoftBank Corp., an internet service provider, to disclose the name, address, and other identifying information (hereinafter "sender information") of the user of an IP address who continuously and illegally uploaded a large volume of music files (hereinafter "sound sources") to the internet using the file-sharing software "BitTorrent." This information is to be disclosed to RIAJ member record companies that hold the rights to the sound sources.
Member record companies sought the disclosure of sender information related to 26 IP addresses from 16 internet service providers (hereinafter "ISPs") two years ago, based on Article 5, Paragraph 1 of the Provider Liability Limitation Act (currently the Act on Measures against Information Distribution Platforms). This action was taken to claim damages for infringement of neighboring rights (right of making transmittable) against individuals who were uploading sound sources without permission using "BitTorrent." However, member record companies filed sender information disclosure lawsuits against ISPs that did not comply with these requests.
Based on the 22 pieces of sender information disclosed by ISPs, member record companies have been negotiating with illegal uploaders through their legal representatives regarding "a pledge not to commit copyright infringement in the future" and "payment of damages." To date, agreements have been reached with 13 individuals. The RIAJ plans to promptly pursue claims for damages against the illegal uploaders whose information has been disclosed through this lawsuit.
The RIAJ and its member record companies will continue to actively address rights infringement activities using file-sharing software and other means, aiming for the sound development of the music distribution market and the eradication of copyright law violations.
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FAQ
What is the most significant aspect of this ruling?
The court ordered an ISP to disclose personal information of illegal uploaders, which strengthens digital copyright protection.
Why did the RIAJ file this lawsuit?
To protect the rights (neighboring rights) of its member record companies and to pursue damages claims against illegal uploaders.
Is illegal uploading expected to decrease in the future?
With information disclosure and damage claims progressing, a stronger deterrent effect against illegal uploading is expected, leading to a decrease.