Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) will, from today, launch verification tests of the marketing of fine art image licences using blockchain technology. The tests will focus on creative activities by individual artists, and are designed to verify whether reducing the burden of licence processing tasks, including obtaining permission from copyright holders, is effective in improving user convenience.

Background

We are witnessing the global spread of secondary creations that include component elements contained in the original, or primary, art creations, along with what is termed, “nth-order” creations (derivative works), emanating from the creative chains established on an individual basis between various artists. The actual market for such, derivative works is said to be around JPY 1.2 tln (approx. USD 10.6 bln) per annum. According to estimates from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Survey of the Intellectual Property Rights Study Group Project on Infringement Countermeasures for Strengthening derivative works Activities in FY2018. A further potential market of JPY 1.4 tln exists, however, due to the complexities of processing the necessary licences, the individual artists are difficult to enhance the derivative works in a commercial market.

In response to this situation, DNP will leverage blockchain technology and engage in market licencing to support safe and secure derivative works activities. We will also endeavor to stimulate both the potential and actual content markets. In order to achieve this, we will conduct verification tests in which an art image licence is employed in derivative works activities by individual artists. The tests will be divided into phase 1 and phase 2. Through these activities, we will contribute to the realization of a derivative works market by connecting individual creators with art work copyright holders and owners. 

Overview

Phase 1: Scheduled from December 6, 2021 to January 31, 2022 (TBD)

Work has commenced on the test marketing of art works based on art images owned by the Réunion des musées nationaux Grand Palais, or Rmn-GP, and provided by DNP Art Communications Co., Ltd. The individual creators involved in the tests are registered with CREEMA, a handmade marketplace operated by CREEMA LTD. https://www.creema.jp. We will consult with individual creators regarding their needs, and check the price and other conditions desired by the purchaser. In addition, we will also look into demand for specific genres and site usage conditions.

Rmn-GP is an organization comprising more than 30 museums and art galleries in France, including the Musée du Louvre and the Musée d’orsay, and which is dedicated to preserving works of art, and supporting the operations of museums and art galleries.

*Cooperation from CREEMA LTD. will be for verification purposes only, and following the verification period the company will not be involved in license sales activities (Additional comment as of December 28, 2021)

Phase 2: Scheduled FY 2022 1Q-2Q (subject to change)

DNP will launch the Image Archives Lab, and integrated blockchain to allow individual creators to utilize derivative works. We will also market art image licences.

Going Forward

Based on the results of the verification tests, and through the activities of the Image Archives Lab, DNP aims to induce many individual creators to feel closer to art and engage in derivative works. We will also foster the development of a white market, operating under legal and authorised market, where derivative works activities that have received proper licence processing can be marketed.

In addition, we will enhance our contents genre in anticipation of expanded usage in virtual spaces, e.g. 3-D computer graphics, and propose the new service to a variety of creators aiming for sales of JPY 500 million in FY 2025. 

*Company names, products and service names appearing in this release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of those companies.
*Product information and service details described in this release are accurate as of the date of issue. They are subject to change without notice.