When iconic creators like Akira Toriyama, Kentaro Miura, Yoshito Usui, or even Walt Disney pass away, their work often lives on, but so do the legal battles surrounding their copyrights. It’s a complicated, and sometimes messy, affair that can influence the future of beloved characters and stories.
Take for instance Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, and many other IPs, has had his share of legal issues. Toriyama’s work is a massive global franchise with a huge fanbase, making it a prime target for disputes. When Toriyama passed on March 1, 2024 the rights to Dragon Ball went a bit limbo. The question of who controls the franchise and how it’s managed will be crucial for fans who want to see it continue in a way that respects Toriyama’s original vision. Toriyama was active for the creation of Diama which will air in the fall, but what happens after that? Dragon Ball fans are also known to be very active in their creative endeavors, and are no stranger to cease and disists. Will things become more lax or more strict than ever?
Kentaro Miura, the creator of Berserk, faced a different kind of challenge. After Miura’s untimely death in 2021, his estate and publishers had to navigate a complex web of copyright issues. Recent shut down of fan animations is just the most recent fight over how to continue the series. Who gets to decide its future highlights the difficulties in honoring a creator’s legacy while meeting fan expectations.
And then there’s Yoshito Usui, the creator of Crayon Shin-chan. Usui’s death in 2009 left a void in the management of his creation. His work, beloved by many, had to be handled carefully to ensure that it continued to reflect his original style and humor. It hit another hiccup when Keiji Fujiwara, voice of Hiroshi passed in 2016. The balance between respecting Usui’s vision and continuing the series for new generations has been a delicate one.
For one a bit closer to home take Walt Disney, for example. Disney’s death in 1966 didn’t mean the end of legal wrangling over his creations. The fight over the copyright of Disney’s characters, especially Mickey Mouse, and the company itself has been ongoing. The rights to Mickey and other early Disney creations were initially protected for a set period, but as deadlines loom and copyright laws evolve, the Mouse has often found himself in the center of legal disputes. These battles have even led to major shifts in copyright law, thanks to Disney’s relentless advocacy.
In all these cases, the passing of a beloved creator doesn’t just end their story; it often opens up a new chapter of legal and ethical challenges. Ensuring that their work is handled with the respect it deserves while navigating the complexities of copyright law is no easy feat. For fans, it’s a waiting game to see how these iconic legacies will be managed and preserved in the years to come.
