Bandai threaten fansubbers over Solid State Society

In a press release recently issued to several major US anime websites, North American DVD distributor Bandai have sent out a stark warning to those planning to produce or distribute fansubs of Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society.

“Fansubs, even those not sold for profit, are harmful to our properties and industry overall and we will be watching closely to make sure our rights regarding SSS are not infringed,” said Ken Iyadomi, President of Bandai Entertainment Inc. “We are prepared to take legal action against fansubbers and illegal download and other distribution sites if this notice is ignored,” he added.

Having already been licensed for US release by Bandai (and Manga Ent.), they are obviously loathe to see their potentially lucrative new release in Solid State Society losing fan anticipation surrounding the title by hitting the internet fansub circuit months before the official Western DVD release.