[Copyright/Copyrightability of Photographs] 2023 (Ne) 1384 — Copyrightability recognized in photographic composition!

日本語原文 / Japanese original

Article information

Article type: Case note

Category: Copyright

Topics: Copyrightability

First published on this website: 2026-11-01

Display and classification checked: November 2, 2026

Originally published on Ameblo: 2025-01-06 (Japan time). Full English translation.

https://ameblo.jp/hideki-takaishi/entry-12881384383.html

[Copyright/Copyrightability of Photographs] 2023 (Ne) 1384

*Copyrightability was recognized in the composition of the photograph!

The first since the Tokyo High Court's June 21, 2001 watermelon case?

“There are multiple possible choices for selecting, combining and arranging the subjects, adjusting lighting and shading, and selecting the background, and the photographer's individuality is expressed in the expression of Defendant Image 3 itself.”

⇒ The ultimate conclusion was that no adaptation was established.

https://www.courts.go.jp/app/files/hanrei_jp/728/092728_hanrei.pdf

Consultation guide by purpose

Update history

The first-published date remains unchanged. Display maintenance, classification changes, related-article updates, and text corrections are recorded separately.

November 1, 2026: First published on this website.

November 2, 2026: Added article information, classification, topics, language navigation, related articles where the same case was confirmed, consultation guidance, and SEO. The original text and first-published date were preserved.