News Releases

November 20, 2015
Japanese Society for Rights of Authors,
Composers and Publishers
（JASRAC）

Fukuoka Prefectural Police Headquarters refers Man to Prosecutors for Illegally
Uploading Music Data Files Using File-Sharing Software "Perfect Dark"

On November 18, the Cyber Crime Countermeasures Division of the Fukuoka Prefectural Police Headquarters and its Higashi Police Station referred a 46-year-old man residing in Hakata Ward of Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, to the Fukuoka District Public Prosecutors Office on a charge of alleged copyright infringement (violation of public transmission rights). The man is suspected of making music and other data files available to the public on the Internet using the file sharing software "Perfect Dark." (JASRAC filed a complaint against him of the said violation on September 11 of this year.)

According to the police investigation, the man had begun using Perfect Dark about two years ago, but earlier than that, he had used the file-sharing software "Share" and "WinMX" as well. In addition, referring to the use of file-sharing software, he testified, "I downloaded such software to obtain animation videos as well as Western and Japanese music. I knew that such uploading was illegal." It has been revealed that he had made approximately 600 music files, including copyright works administered by JASRAC, to the public over the Internet.

Since 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 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.

End