Square-Enix Catch Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Pirate
Square-Enix have announced that a quick resolution has been reached in their infrigment case of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, in which a person uploaded a copy of the movie to an online website.
Although Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is not yet due for released in the United States until April 25th, several stores in the US have already sold the movie. When Japan got the movie, it was released early and it seems that someone illegally uploaded the entire movie to Google Video for people to view and naturally Square-Enix learnt of this, had Google removed the file and investigated, located, and prosecuted the culprit.
Unfortunately it doesn't say if the movie was the Japanese version or the US version, however it doesn't seem possible that they would track a person within a few days if it was the english version.
"In connection with the release of the movie, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, we are actively pursuing those who commit intellectual property infringement against our company," said Yasuhiko Hasegawa, Square Enix's General Manager of Legal Affairs. "Any illegal activities, including the illegal uploading of Square Enix content to Internet sites and the unauthorized copying of Square Enix games, music, movies, images, and other intellectual property, will be prosecuted. While Square Enix appreciates the enthusiasm of its fans, and values its relationship with them, it is also obligated to protect its intellectual property rights or risk weakening or losing the very rights that enable the company to continue to provide its fans with an exciting entertainment experience."
Square Enix reached a confidential settlement with the uploader of the video, in which he will pay them compensation, yet this seems to have unphased other illegal pirates as torrents for Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children have started to surface online.