Strengthening Global Efforts to Combat Digital Piracy and Counterfeit Character Goods through Japan-U.S. Collaboration
On September 1, 2026, the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) and IP House, a U.S.-based investigative firm specializing in intellectual property rights infringement, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in combating piracy and counterfeit character goods. A signing ceremony was held at CODA on the same day.
IP House is an investigative firm that operates globally, conducting investigations, analysis, and enforcement support related to intellectual property rights infringement in countries around the world, and has a track record of collaboration with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and the U.S. National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center). IP House has also built a close cooperative relationship with CODA through initiatives including “Operation Animes,” a coordinated enforcement operation against piracy websites offering Japanese anime that CODA has conducted in Brazil since 2023.
In recent years, while Japanese content such as anime and manga has gained worldwide popularity, intellectual property rights infringement overseas—including piracy websites and the illegal manufacture, distribution, and sale of counterfeit character goods—has also become increasingly serious, making international intellectual property protection more important than ever. Against this backdrop, this MOU aims to leverage the expertise and networks of both parties to strategically address issues such as piracy and counterfeit character goods, while strengthening the global framework for intellectual property protection.
At the signing ceremony, CODA Representative Director Takero Goto stated, “As Japanese content is widely embraced around the world and has been designated by the Japanese government as one of the 17 priority areas in its growth strategy, further overseas expansion is expected in the years ahead. At the same time, the damage caused by piracy and counterfeit character goods is also expanding on a global scale. With the signing of this MOU as an opportunity, we will further strengthen our collaboration with IP House, which operates globally, and vigorously promote the protection of rights in Japanese content worldwide.”
Jan van Voorn, CEO of IP House, also stated, “We are greatly honored to be able to formally establish our partnership with CODA through the signing of this MOU. In recent years, Japanese content has gained widespread support around the world, and the cross-border protection of the intellectual property rights that underpin its creation has become increasingly important. IP House has established a strong presence in Japan, and we will further strengthen our collaboration with CODA while continuing to enhance our framework for promoting the protection of the rights of Japanese creators and rights holders globally.”
Both parties agreed to deepen their cooperation across a wide range of areas going forward, while leveraging their respective strengths, and signed the MOU.
CODA will continue to strengthen its collaboration with relevant organizations overseas and promote initiatives to combat international rights infringement and protect content.
This initiative was carried out as part of a project commissioned by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
■ IP House Website
https://ip-house.com/
About CODA
CODA (Content Overseas Distribution Association) was established in 2002 at the call of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Agency for Cultural Affairs to promote the overseas development of Japanese content and take anti-piracy measures. Japan’s proud content, including music, movies, anime, broadcast programs, video games, and publishing, plays an important role in enhancing the nation’s international presence and economic growth. As digital technology becomes more widespread, it is even more significant to protect Japan’s content from increasingly artful copyright infringement and promote the content industry’s development. CODA contributes to the deterrence and detection of online and other piracy, by sharing knowledge with relevant government agencies, organizations, and companies in Japan and abroad, to engage in direct and indirect anti-piracy measures, as well as public relations activities. Visit https://coda-cj.jp/en/activity/ for more information on CODA’s projects.