Studio Ghibli declares war on piracy

In an official statement published on its official website, Studio Ghibli, recognized worldwide for its animated films, expressed concern about the proliferation of sales of unauthorized products that use images and paintings extracted from its works. The warning was issued in Japanese, English and Chinese, underscoring the global scale of the problem.

The statement mentions:

"We have confirmed that there are several online stores and businesses that sell framed images and paintings taken from our films, books and other publications at extremely high prices. These products are unauthorized reproductions that infringe the copyrights and other intellectual property rights of Studio Ghibli. Please note that Ghibli has not authorized these activities and intends to take strict measures, both civil and criminal, as appropriate."

The studio also highlighted the collective effort behind their creations, noting that all of their works are the result of years of work by a committed team. The sale of pirated products not only breaks the law, but also devalues the company's overall image and artistic commitment.

Although Studio Ghibli is renowned for putting art before commercial concerns, its operation depends on sustainable revenues, such as official merchandise sales. This is due to their long production cycles, which demand robust financial planning. In addition, the statement reflects the studio's stance of protecting its artistic legacy and ensuring that its fans enjoy licensed products. Ghibli has been remarkably generous in sharing free images and wallpapers through its official site, a rare gesture among Japanese anime studios.

The message concludes with a thank you to fans for supporting businesses that respect Ghibli's intellectual property. The statement underscores the studio's commitment to continue to create quality works and protect its copyrights as it faces the growing threat of unauthorized products.

Source: Official Site