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**Navigating the New Frontier: Lawyer Chen Jianhuan’s Exploration of Legal Challenges in the Anime and VTuber Industry**
The integration of technology and creativity has led to the emergence of many innovative industries. However, they bring about numerous unprecedented legal challenges. Lawyer Chen Jianhuan from Haoyu Law Firm has combined his interests with business, exploring the ‘blue ocean’ of law through managing social platforms and providing legal services to the booming anime industry.
There’s a perception in society of an oversupply of lawyers, reflecting intense competition in the legal field. Many established clients are tied to veteran lawyers, making it challenging for newcomers to find opportunities. But Chen saw potential in changing societal values and rapid technological advancements, which bring forth new legal issues.
Chen’s interest in anime and subcultures led him to manage a dedicated online page where he shares legal insights on related topics. This opened doors to the anime industry’s niche market. For instance, there was an incident where limited edition New Year cards featuring Japanese VTubers from “hololive” were counterfeited and sold online. Chen shared legal perspectives on this issue on his page, which gained significant attention. He even helped victims draft complaints for legal proceedings.
Following the event, many from the anime industry approached Chen for legal advice. He noted the uniqueness of contracts for VTubers. A VTuber has both a virtual appearance and a real person operating behind (referred to as “the person inside”). If a contract is terminated, challenges arise regarding who has the rights to the VTuber’s virtual appearance.
Chen emphasizes that the VTuber industry in Taiwan is still in its infancy and lacks comprehensive legal regulations. Even Japan, a more mature market, is gradually improving its legal frameworks. Chen’s expertise in the anime field enables him to stay updated on industry developments and case judgments.
He also highlighted potential legal disputes arising from VTubers, such as online defamation or stalking. Chen commits to staying updated on new trends and ensuring his clients receive the best advice and services.
https://www.chinatimes.com/cn/newspapers/20230826000279-260209