YouTuber/Virtual YouTuber Legal Services
The management of online influencers requires know-how that differs from that of traditional entertainment production and media management.
We understand the characteristics of the Internet and are able to provide strong backup for your company’s ability to transmit information through a system that is continually updated with the latest information.
YouTube channels of YouTuber management companies, companies that operate Virtual YouTubers, and business companies need legal advisors with more specialized know-how and experience.
Our clients include major YouTuber Management Companies, prominent individual YouTubers, and various Virtual YouTuber business management companies. We provide highly specialized support in drafting/reviewing YouTuber and Virtual YouTuber-related contracts and legal issues with video creation.
TOPICS
Necessity of YouTube-related Legal Counsel
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YouTuber
A YouTuber with more than a few hundred thousand channel subscribers is a single entity and needs an agent. -
YouTuber Management Companies
There are specific precautions and checkpoints to consider for YouTuber management, client projects, and other contracts. -
Virtual YouTuber
Contracts and M&A in the area where IT and entertainment intersect is an extremely specialized field. -
YouTube channel
When operating a YouTube channel, you will need a main legal advisor and a separate lawyer for YouTube.
for Business Company
YouTubers and Virtual YouTubers need legal advisors who are familiar with channel management and contract execution.
Contracts
YouTubers and Virtual YouTubers generally sign a management contract with an agency to carry out their activities. In some cases, they sign a contract with a company and engage in advertising activities.
In the past, management contracts between entertainers and entertainment agencies and advertising contracts between entertainers and companies were generally used. However, YouTubers and Virtual YouTubers are slightly different from entertainers because of YouTube’s terms and conditions.
A lawyer with knowledge and experience in contracts related to YouTubers can help you smoothly conclude a contract with the important points.
Creating and Publishing Videos
When creating and publishing YouTube videos, it is essential to have legal knowledge in various areas, such as copyrights for the music and objects appearing in the video, portrai/privacy rights, and advertising regulations that may be problematic when introducing cosmetics and health foods. Lack of legal knowledge in these areas can lead to the risk of having your videos deleted or, in the worst case, having your account banned.
Legal Support for Virtual YouTubers
Since 2017, when Virtual YouTubers themselves were in their infancy, MONOLITH LAW OFFICE has been handling Virtual YouTuber legal affairs, including various contractual relationships and dispute resolution, for individual Virtual YouTubers and their related companies and offices.
We have a team with the experience and know-how to solve the very complex issues related to Virtual YouTubers, such as copyright issues of illustrations and CG, who owns the YouTube channel and characters, and the rights relationship between the person himself/herself and the owner.
Terms of Use of YouTube and Other Media
In operating a YouTube channel, an understanding of YouTube’s terms of service is necessary as well as the legalities. Even if a video is legally acceptable, if it violates the terms of use, it may be subject to deletion or account freeze. Our firm has the know-how and understanding of YouTube and other terms of use as well as the law.
In principle, within one business day, we will check and revise contracts related to the daily operations of your channel and your company. We will also provide up to 2 hours of service each month within the scope of the advisory fee.(*)
*Depending on the content, there may be cases that require more time or cannot be handled within the scope of the advisory fee.
Legal Advice Lined Up by YouTubers
The Youtube channel 「YouTuberが並ぶ法律相談所」 operated by MONOLITH LAW OFFICE explains legal issues related to Youtube in conversational videos by a lawyer in the appearance of a Virtual YouTuber, a friendly character with a high level of expertise.
We deliver legal knowledge that YouTubers should know from various angles each time, so please watch it whether you are already running a channel or are about to do so.
M&A of SNS
YouTube channels and Twitter accounts are subject to M&A, as are websites.
However, due to the specific features of these M&A, a law firm with specialized knowledge and experience is needed.
From small amounts to over 100-million-yen, MONOLITH LAW OFFICE has handled many M&A transactions as a law firm with strong expertise in IT business.
We assist you from drafting contracts to conducting due diligence (DD) in YouTube channels and other businesses.
IT and IP Law at the Time of Virtual YouTuber Creation
System development that occurs in the development of Virtual YouTubers, for example, is an extremely specialized field.
Knowledge of the field of intellectual property rights is essential to control the handling of videos, images, and productions that occur in SNS operations.
Our firm’s representative attorneys have experience as IT engineers and provide services in disputes and prevention of system development.
We provide highly specialized IT and IP-related legal support to many companies, including TSE prime listed companies.
Countermeasures Against Reputational Damage
Unfortunately, it is common for YouTubers and Virtual YouTubers to suffer reputational damage on the Internet as their channels gain viewers. However, we believe that countermeasures should always be taken against excessive slander and the leakage of personal information.
Our firm has extensive experience and expertise in removing and identifying posters of rumors on the Internet.
We have received numerous requests from clients ranging from TSE prime listed companies to individuals.
Writings and other activities related to YouTuber/Virtual YouTuber legal affairs
YouTuber and Virtual YouTuber legal affairs are highly specialized areas.
Our founding lawyer engages in writing and other activities related to these fields.
Publications as a Lawyer with Strength in YouTuber and Virtual YouTuber Legal Affairs
Published 「IT弁護士さん、YouTuberの法律と規約について教えてください」, discussing different legal issues surrounding YouTubers in Q&A format. Some topics discussed are “Is stealth marketing a violation of law?”, “Is it necessary to blur license plates?”, and etc.
Published 「Q&A実務家のためのYouTube法務の手引き」a practical book regarding YouTuber Legal Affairs, for Lawyers and Corporate PR agents.
Our Founding Lawyer Made a Guest Appearance on “ABEMA Prime”
Our founding lawyer was a guest on the broadcast of “ABEMA Prime,” one of the most popular live-streaming services in Japan.
He made a guest appearance as an attorney with expertise in legal issues related to YouTubers and VTubers.
February 16, 2022：legal issues such as the privacy of VTubers
May 20, 2022：legal issues of severe backlash to influencer
Examples of YouTubers and Virtual YouTubers Who Are Clients of Our Firm
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Carry On Inc.
We have been working on projects for Carry On Inc. since shortly after the company’s establishment, which includes popular YouTubers Kimagure Cook, Bryan, Channel Gado Man, and many other creators. -
Tenchim
We have been working on a project for Tenchim, a blogger, TV personality, and model who runs “Tenchim CH/tenchim”. -
Mirai Akari
We have been working on projects for ZIZAI Corporation, the operator of Mirai Akari, a Virtual YouTuber who has been active since 2017, since 2016 before Mirai Akari’s debut. -
Teiko Penguin
We have been working on projects for Plott Corporation, operator of the animated YouTube channel “Teiko Penguin”, since 2018, even before the channel was launched.
*This is a partial list of companies that have given us permission to disclose that they are our clients, or that are registered as directors.
In fact, we work on projects for many clients, including freelance YouTubers.
In principle, we will keep the fact that you are a client confidential under a confidentiality agreement.
Fee Structure
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Hourly Rate
$400per hour (tax included)In certain instances, we may consider accepting a dispute or lawsuit with an initiation fee and a contingency fee. For more details, please feel free to contact us. -
Drafting Contracts
from$500to $2,000 or more (tax included)The pricing structure is subject to variation based on the type and quantity of contracts. We are pleased to offer a preliminary estimate upon inquiry, thereby encouraging you to reach out to us for further details. -
Other Services
Contact UsWe offer a wide range of services including company formation, contract review, legal opinion, case review, or research letter. Should you have any inquiries or concerns, we cordially invite you to contact us and our knowledgeable team will be happy to assist you.
