Copyright Dispute Intensifies Between JTBC's 'Strongest Baseball' and 'Blazing Baseball'
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
The copyright dispute surrounding JTBC's popular entertainment program 'Strongest Baseball' has entered a new phase. Although the court issued a reconciliation recommendation that effectively favored JTBC, Studio C1, the production company of 'Blazing Baseball,' rejected this and filed an objection, prolonging the legal battle.
Seoul Central District Court Recommends Reconciliation Favoring JTBC
On July 12th, the 60th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court issued a reconciliation recommendation regarding the injunction application filed by JTBC against Studio C1 for copyright infringement. An injunction application is a legal procedure to urgently protect rights before a main lawsuit, and the court's recommendation of reconciliation means that it is encouraging both parties to reach an agreement. However, the content of this reconciliation recommendation is interpreted as effectively accepting JTBC's claims.
Deletion of All 'Blazing Baseball' Videos from January 1, 2026
The conditions presented by the court were very specific and strong. The court proposed that Studio C1 delete all 'Blazing Baseball' videos, including trailers and team practice videos, that are published on its website and YouTube channel from January 1, 2026, and refrain from uploading or publishing new videos. This means that not only the main episodes but also all related videos such as trailers and practice videos must be deleted, and no new videos can be uploaded or published in the future.
Prohibition of Using the Names 'Blazing Baseball' and 'Blazing Fighters'
The court's decision further included restrictions on the use of names. Studio C1 is prohibited from producing, transmitting, or distributing video content using the names 'Blazing Baseball' or 'Blazing Fighters' as the title or team name. The inability to use the program's name itself effectively means that the program 'Blazing Baseball' cannot continue to exist.
100 Million KRW Indirect Coercion Fine Per Day for Violations
The court also specified strong sanctions for violating these conditions, requiring Studio C1 to pay JTBC 100 million KRW per day of violation as an indirect coercion fine for copyright infringement. An indirect coercion fine is a monetary sanction to enforce the fulfillment of an obligation, and the amount of 100 million KRW per day is considerably high. If Studio C1 violates this condition and publishes videos for a month, it would have to pay 3 billion KRW in indirect coercion fines.
Studio C1 Submits Objection Application on July 27th
However, Studio C1 did not accept the court's reconciliation recommendation. On July 27th, Studio C1 submitted an objection application, expressing its opposition to the court's decision. Since a reconciliation recommendation is not legally binding, the parties can reject it. Studio C1 seems to have judged that it could not accept the court's recommendation because it effectively favored JTBC.
JTBC: "Copyright Infringement is Clear, Prohibition of Publication is Natural"
In response, JTBC is maintaining a firm stance. JTBC stated, "'Blazing Baseball' clearly infringed on the copyright of 'Strongest Baseball.' This reconciliation recommendation also prohibits the publication of 'Blazing Baseball.'" JTBC argues that 'Blazing Baseball' clearly infringed on the copyright of 'Strongest Baseball,' and the court's reconciliation recommendation acknowledged this.
"The Court Made a Favorable Judgment for JTBC"
An official from JTBC added, "Considering these details, the court made a favorable judgment for us, but the opposing party's objection has been filed, so the trial is likely to be prolonged." While expressing confidence that the court made a favorable judgment for them, they predicted that the trial would be prolonged due to Studio C1's objection.
'Strongest Baseball' vs. 'Blazing Baseball': What Was the Issue?
'Strongest Baseball' is JTBC's popular baseball entertainment program, featuring celebrities and amateur baseball players forming a team to play games. 'Blazing Baseball' is a program produced by Studio C1, and JTBC filed a copyright infringement lawsuit, claiming that this program illegally imitated the format and concept of 'Strongest Baseball.' The key issue in this lawsuit is specifically what aspects are similar and to what extent they constitute copyright infringement.
Entertainment Program Format Copyright Dispute
Whether the format or concept of an entertainment program can be protected by copyright has been a long-debated topic. Simple ideas or concepts are not subject to copyright protection, but specific and original expressions can be protected by copyright. The court's favorable judgment for JTBC is interpreted as viewing the format of 'Strongest Baseball' as not just a simple idea but as an original expression worthy of copyright protection.
Studio C1's Position?
Studio C1's specific position has not been disclosed to date, but the fact that they filed an objection means that they do not agree with the court's judgment. Studio C1 is likely to argue that 'Blazing Baseball' did not imitate 'Strongest Baseball,' or that even if there are similarities, they do not constitute copyright infringement.
Procedures After Objection?
If the objection is accepted, the case will proceed to a full trial, where a more in-depth hearing will take place. The injunction is a temporary measure, and the final judgment will be made in the main lawsuit. Therefore, the possibility of this reconciliation recommendation being overturned cannot be completely ruled out. However, the fact that a favorable judgment for JTBC has already been made at the injunction stage suggests that JTBC is likely to be favored in the main lawsuit as well.
Broadcasting Possible Until January 1, 2026
One notable point is that the video deletion date is from January 1, 2026. This means that 'Blazing Baseball' videos can continue to be published until then, which seems to be the court's intention to give both parties time and induce an agreement rather than taking immediate action.
Impact on the Content Industry
This case could have a significant impact on the entire content industry, as it could become an important precedent regarding the extent to which the format and concept of entertainment programs can be protected by copyright. If a final judgment is made in favor of JTBC, it will become more cautious to produce programs with similar formats in the future.
Legal Battle Expected to Be a Long-Term Affair
As JTBC officials said, the trial is expected to be prolonged due to Studio C1's objection. If the case goes beyond the injunction stage to a full trial, both parties are expected to present more evidence and arguments, engaging in a fierce legal battle. It may take a considerable amount of time before a final judgment is made. It remains to be seen how this dispute will unfold and what final judgment will be made.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/roadtowrestling/224056924335
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