Dolphin Kidnappers were found to have violated the contract with Ador.
This ruling is expected to significantly impact standards for managing content IP.
[TV Daily Reporter Kim Ji-hyun] The Seoul Central District Court ruled that the production company Dolphin Kidnappers must pay 1 billion won in damages for uploading NewJeans' music video director's cut without the consent of their agency, Ador. This amount includes a 12% annual late interest from December 14, 2024.
The conflict arose when Dolphin Kidnappers uploaded the director's cut of NewJeans' 'ETA' music video to their YouTube channel in August 2024 without permission. Ador claimed ownership of the copyright and usage rights, stating that the contract granted them those rights. In contrast, Dolphin Kidnappers argued that there was a verbal agreement with the former CEO of Ador and that industry practices made their actions valid.
The court dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the copyright and usage rights were explicitly stated in the contract. This judgment contrasts creative discretion with contractual rights, marking a significant precedent for how IP management is handled in the content industry.
Firstly, this ruling reaffirms the importance of protecting rights in the collaboration between artists and producers. NewJeans, a rapidly rising group, exemplifies why their works and IP should be more rigorously safeguarded. This case serves not just as a contract dispute but as a significant legal foundation to protect artists' creations.
Secondly, the court clearly stated that oral agreements or industry practices do not hold legal validity. This insight points to common issues within outsourced production and emphasizes the need for content creators to understand their IP rights clearly. Producers must adhere strictly to the details of contracts, reminding them of the legal liabilities they may face if violated.
Lastly, this judgment sets a critical precedent throughout the content industry. As issues regarding IP management become increasingly complex, this case could serve as a legal reference point for similar situations in the future. There is a growing demand for more diligent contract enforcement and rights protection at this time.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
