Taiwan Covers Japanese Porn Under Copyright Protection for 1st Time

NEW TAIPEI — Taiwan's Intellectual Property Court sentenced two men to six months in jail for selling pirated Japanese adult videos, with the judge ruling that some of the videos contained what it deemed “original dramatic content.”

According to reports from Japanese and Chinese media outlets, this case marks the first instance in which pornographic videos from Japan have been covered under copyright protection.

Defense lawyer Hsueh Chin-feng said that because the the verdict marked a precedent, he will discuss with his clients on whether to appeal or seek a retrial.

His clients, store owner Chang Shan-cheng and employee Chou Chia-min, were selling Japanese adult DVDs in 2010 when the videos' producers arrived in Taiwan to sue them for violating their copyright. Prosecutors in Taipei subsequently indicted Chang and Chou on copyright charges.

The Taipei Court handed down a "not guilty" sentence for the charge of copyright infringement, instead sentencing the defendants to six months in prison for offenses against sexual morality.

After Taipei prosecutors filed an appeal, judges involved in the case used third-party assistance to evaluate the material, and collectively identified 16 videos original in content and thereby eligible to be protected under copyright laws.

Taiwan had previously declined to pursue copyright infringement claims by Japanese producers of adult material, deeming the content obscene and thus unworthy of protection.

Lee Teh-tu, a spokesman for the Intellectual Property Court, said that all courts had previously been following a 2005 ruling by the Supreme Court that declared porn videos should not be protected because they “violated social order.” But, according to Lee, the legal environment is changing.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Adult Time Drops 'Busting Porn Myths Vol. 1' Informational Video

Adult Time has released the first volume of its new Performer Center series, “Busting Porn Myths.”

Octavia Red Stars in Final Episode of Bree Mills' 'Escape From Camp Conversion' From Adult Time

Octavia Red stars in the final episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from Adult Time studio brand Girlcore.

Octokuro Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octokuro has made her Vampired debut alongside Sata Jones in “Vampirella Unleashed.”

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Natalia Starr Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Natalia Starr stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

Sabien DeMonia Drops Latest Evil Angel Directorial 'Depravation of Innocence'

Sabien DeMonia has dropped her latest directorial effort for Evil Angel, “Depravation of Innocence.”

Yhivi Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Yhivi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Dan Damage.

Show More