Sanrio has officially responded to the copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Studio Comet concerning its popular character Kuromi. On February 26, Sanrio released a statement through its website, indicating the situation is still under litigation and they intend to clearly communicate their position through the judicial process.
According to reports from various outlets, Studio Comet, based in Nerima, Tokyo, claims rights over the character Kuromi, asserting it was created by their animator during the production of the anime series 'Onegai My Melody', which aired from 2005 to 2006. They state, "Kuromi is a character created by our animator, Tomoko Miyakawa, and belongs to our company's original works as she was employed with us. This lawsuit was initiated to protect our rights."
Sanrio's counterarguments are solidly established. Their statement asserts, "The copyright for 'Kuromi' is clearly assigned to us through appropriate contracts, and the moral rights of the author have also been adequately handled." Sanrio elaborated on their long-term management of intellectual property rights concerning their characters, indicating it's been conducted diligently over the years.
The situation escalated when Studio Comet asserted their ownership of Kuromi's design, leading to the lawsuit announced earlier this month. The studio commented, "We have tried to discuss our points sincerely with Sanrio, yet our views were not accepted. Therefore, we felt compelled to present this case legally." Meanwhile, the dispute emphasizes the underlying issues of authorship and copyright, especially within collaborative fields like animation.
Sanrio's response reiterates their commitment, stating, "We will continue to present our position clearly within the judicial system," aiming to resolve the situation favorably. They also expressed their appreciation for their fans and stakeholders, addressing any concerns with reassurance about their stewardship of character rights.
Kuromi has become one of Sanrio's notable characters, portrayed as My Melody's rival and has enjoyed extensive merchandising success since her introduction. Her popularity has even surged recently with plans for Netflix to launch new animation celebrating her 20th anniversary this coming July. This overarching appeal of Kuromi highlights the character's significant cultural impact, adding layers to the legal discussions around her ownership.
Both parties have maintained their efforts to resolve the matter through proper channels, with the legal proceedings expected to clarify the ownership debates surrounding Kuromi.