Square Enix protects its IP

The Seoul Central District Court recently issued copyright infringement sentences to the producers and directors of a music video for Korean singer “Ivy”. The video used portions of the storyline, setting and character styles from Final Fantasy VII Advent Children without Square Enix's permission.

In the words of Square Enix’s General Counsel: “This judgment by the Seoul Central District Court is stringent in comparison to other copyright infringement cases in South Korea, and we appreciate that the maliciousness of this infringement has been recognized in a public forum. Square Enix will continue to take decisive action against any infringements upon the Company's intellectual property, recognizing that this property is one of our most crucial resources.”

The total damage awards were small (approximately $11,000 against the producer and $6,500 against each of the directors), but sometimes the certainty of a small penalty can be a more effective deterrent than the uncertainty of a large penalty. Also, Square Enix’s civil lawsuit is still pending and might result in an additional damage award.

Square Enix’s press release is here.