News Releases

July 16, 2014
Japanese Society for Rights of Authors,
Composers and Publishers
(JASRAC)

Copyright infringement using file-sharing software “Cabos”
Woman referred to prosecutors for illegally uploading music data files

The Cybercrime Office, Living Environment Section, Department of Community Safety of the Tochigi Prefectural Police Headquarters and the Utsunomiya Chuo Police Station today referred a 26-year-old woman living in Mitaka City, Tokyo, to the Utsunomiya District Public Prosecutors Office. The woman was making music and other data files available to the public on the Internet using the file-sharing software “Cabos.”

The woman is suspected of infringing copyright (public transmission rights) by making music data files containing music works administered by JASRAC available to an indefinite number of Internet users without authorization, and JASRAC took legal action on July 8, 2014.

According to the police investigation, it was found that the woman began using “Cabos” more than 7 years ago. She stored approximately 1,000 music files in her personal computer using “Cabos,” and without authorization made these music files available to the public over the Internet.

Since 2003, JASRAC has continued to apply measures aimed at preventing acts of copyright infringement using file-sharing software. And from March 2010, JASRAC has been conducting public awareness activities asking users of file-sharing software to delete illegal files, based on guidelines promoted by the Consortium against Copyright Infringement via File-Sharing Software (CCIF).

JASRAC, in cooperation with other parties, will continue to issue cautions and warnings against illegal music distribution over the Internet, and will seek to raise copyright awareness through public relations activities to promote the legitimate use of music.

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