The Intellectual Property Landscape of Tokusatsu: A Comprehensive Overview Tokusatsu (特撮) is a Japanese term for live-action (non-anime) films or television programs that heavily use practical special effects. However, in its development, this genre in Japan is mainly used in movies or series with superhero themes. From giant monsters (Kaiju) such as Godzilla and Gamera, humans who turn into giant Ultraman, masked heroes riding a bike (Kamen Rider), colorful Super Sentai heroes, metallic heroes like Gavan, and many more. In Japan, Tokusatsu has become an enormous industry. Every year, there are at least 3 (three) new series, 2 (films) on the big screen, and dozens of OTT content, with some toys that consistently record best-selling toy sales. The BANDAI toy company, as the Master Licensee of Kamen Rider, Ultraman, and Super Sentai, records revenues of around 60 billion Yen per year from the above Intellectual Properties. Of course, this is apart from the income from broadcasting rights received by Production Houses from broadcasting throughout the world. Then, what other Intellectual Properties are related to Tokusatsu? Here is the explanation: 1. Copyright Copyright is Intellectual Property in science, art, and literature resulting from inspiration, ability, thoughts, imagination, dexterity, skills, or expertise expressed in real form. According to the Copyright Law, the work is called Creation, and the creator is for sure called the Creator. Because one individual does not make Tokusatsu but is a joint work of several companies, the Creator can be the designer or production leader with the title of Producer, but these companies own the Copyright Holder. For example, the late Shotaro Ishinomori is recognized as the creator of the Kamen Rider series. Still, the Copyright Holder is listed as jointly owned by Ishimori Pro (Shotaro’s company), TV Asahi (the broadcasting TV station), and TOEI (the production house). Companies registered as Copyright Holders can also be seen from writing such as “(C) 2023 石森プロ・テレビ朝日・東映” in various published materials. Tokusatsu’s works related to Copyright are not only the series or films but also the songs, scripts, characterizations, illustrations, and books related to them. Copyright is protected as long as the creator is alive, plus 70 years after that, and cannot be extended. Protected here means that only the Copyright Holder has Economic Rights and Moral Rights, so that no other party may publish, duplicate, translate, adapt/arrange/transform, distribute, announce, communicate, or rent it without the permission of the Copyright Holder. 2. Trademark Trademark in Tokusatsu is not the additional protection but the primary Intellectual Property, which makes the name unique, along with the logo, which makes it different from other works already on the market. In contrast to Copyright, which does not need to be registered, Trademarks must be registered to obtain protection. When applying for a Trademark, it is necessary to provide information about the appropriate protection classes according to its products and/or services. The number of classes registered for the Tokusatsu series, which airs throughout the year, usually reaches 22 classes, but for films, it is only around 6 (six) to a dozen. This significant difference in numbers is because broadcasts present throughout the year will also have more derivative products and services that can be produced, and all of them must be protected from the possibility of being exploited by other irresponsible parties. Some of the trademark classes that are usually registered for the Tokusatsu series that air throughout the year are classes 32 (beverages), 30 (processed food), 28 (toys), 25 (clothing), 16 (paper), and 9 (electronic equipment). Uniquely, the Trademark Registration process is open from the start of the application process, which can be accessed by the public via the Japanese Patent Information site, providing a means for fans to get a sneak peek at the name of the new Tokusatsu series, several months before the official announcement. 3. Industrial Design In the world of Tokusatsu, there is a unique symbiotic mutualistic relationship between toy manufacturers and Copyright Holders. It is so unique that it is common knowledge that the Tokusatsu series is called a toy advertisement that airs throughout the year. As a toy manufacturer and shareholder of the Tokusatsu producers, BANDAI also provides other support, namely making character designs, so that they can be immediately ready to be produced in various kinds of toys liked by fans of various ages from abroad. The Industrial Designs for Tokusatsu toys registered by BANDAI can also be seen on the Japanese Patent Information site. Uniquely, even though the Industrial Design is registered and owned by BANDAI, all names involved in the creative process, including representatives from the production house, are still registered as the Designer. Registration of Industrial Designs for these toys is essential so that no other party makes imitation products. Because the practice of pirating Tokusatsu toys is usually done by producing the same toys but with different Trademarks. So by registering, even if these pirates escape the trap of Trademark violations, they will not escape Industrial Design violations. 4. Patent Patents are one type of Intellectual Property that needs to be understood in Indonesia. It is as if the patent is Intellectual Property, even though it is only one type. Patents are Intellectual Property directly related to innovation and technology with novelty value. If associated with Tokusatsu, the patent protection could be in the thin but strong action figure joint technology, toy sensors that can be activated by finger movements or inserting a coded card, and BANDAI owns all the patents. 5. Trade Secret The formula used to make a hero’s costume that is strong but light, to the right amount of chemicals to cause a significant but safe explosion, as well as other secret formulas, can be kept as Trade Secrets. These secrets make Tokusatsu a spectacle that continues to amaze fans, and all team members involved are bound by a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). 6. License Agreement After having a recorded Copyright…