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FUNimation threatens fansubs

distributor sends out cease-and-desist letters for animes

Oct 6, 2006 Dominic von Riedemann

FUNimation has sent out cease-and-desist letters to fansubbers regarding several anime including XXXholic TV, Mushishi, and Ragnarok The Animation.

(Source: www.animenewsnetwork.com)

FUNimation has sent out cease-and-desist letters to fansub sites demanding that they no longer distribute several anime titles.

The distributor targeted a number of animes not previously in their catalogue, including ATASHIn'CHI, Mushishi, Ragnarok The Animation, Sakura Taisen: Le Nouveau Paris, Suzuka, and XXXholicTV.

FUNimation has not admitted whether or not that they have acquired the rights to these animes. It's likely that the distributor is currently negotiating to acquire these titles, and wants to remove all illegal fansubs before announcing the acquisition. They may also be acting on behalf of the the original producers, who don't want to be seen as "the bad guys" when it comes to fansubs.

Mushishi appears to be a particularly sought-after title for FUNimation. Yuki Yoshiyama's historical fantasy (written under the pseudonym Yuki Urushibara) was licensed by Del Rey Manga in 2006, and Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira) has produced a live-action movie based on the title.

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Ginko from Mushishi