Kaneda Copyright Agency {top}

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Copyright FAQ {top}

{FAQ} What is a “joint work”?

A "joint work" means a work created by two or more persons whose contributions to the work cannot be separated, consequently each part of which cannot be used individually (independently). A “joint work” is created by two or more authors, usually with the intention that their contributions be merged into inseparable or interdependent parts of a unitary whole.
Each of the persons who are substantially engaged in creating a joint work is an “author,” and the relationship between them establishes co-ownership of the joint work. Therefore, when they are in joint ownership of a joint work, each owner of copyrights to the joint work cannot exercise his/her own right without the unanimous agreement of all the co-owners (See Art.65(2)). So, if you wish to use a joint work, more careful attention should be paid to their permission from the “joint copyright” owners.

(ref.) Art. 65(2) of Copyright Act
A joint copyright may not be exercised without the unanimous agreement of all the co-owners.