ADV on copyright infringement

>And there's an even bigger problem. Run a Google search for "Naruto," and the top hits won't be Toonami. You'll get sites like NarutoFan that serve up the latest episodes of the show, recorded straight from Japanese TV.

>Within days, fans subtitle the shows on their own and release them over peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent.

>One answer to both of these problems, said ADV spokesman Chris Oarr, is to invest upfront in new anime shows rather than waiting around until a series hits it big in Japan. "ADV has been an equity partner and a co-producer of anime series for over 10 years. It's now commonplace to see us in the credits for shows like Samurai Gun."

>Oarr also believes that sewing up U.S. rights early on helps prevent piracy. "They know that we will go after people who are ripping us off. You can't find a single torrent of Samurai Gun out there."

Gee, I wonder if it's because of their efforts or because Samurai Gun sucks. Seriously, does it suck? I haven't seen it or much buzz around it. Without the fanbase generating aspects of a complete or partial fansub, does it have a chance to sell in decent numbers?

I have to hand it to guys like ADV though, as I see the US anime licensing business a huge uphill battle.

There are only so many shows worth licensing and those tend to be the ones that have strong fansub support.  They have to try to maximise profit only on a handful of shows while trying to convince people to wait for and buy the DVDs when fansubs are already available.