Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment Welcomes Naver Webtoon
The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a prominent anti-piracy initiative spearheaded by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), has recently broadened its membership by inviting Naver Webtoon, a leading webcomic platform. This milestone signifies a pivotal step into the realm of intellectual property (IP) creation, which has gained substantial global traction in recent years.
Naver Webtoon: A Trailblazer in Webcomics
Notably, Naver Webtoon stands out as the inaugural webcomic and webnovel company to join ACE, and it is also the first organization of Korean origin to align with the MPA’s goals. As a part of the publicly traded Webtoon Entertainment, Naver Webtoon plays a key role in the meteoric rise of webcomics globally, particularly in Asia, where it has fostered a new generation of acclaimed comic artists. The content originating from Naver Webtoon has evolved into a vital reservoir of IP, supporting popular adaptations across various platforms. Noteworthy adaptations include Netflix’s series like All of Us Are Dead, Hellbound, and Sweet Home, as well as titles from Disney+ and Crunchyroll.
Commitment to Creator Protection
Junkoo Kim, the founder and CEO of Webtoon Entertainment, articulated the profound impact of webcomics on global entertainment and fandom. “Webcomics have transformed storytelling, enabling creators worldwide to express their narratives,” he stated. As the pioneering webcomic company to become a member of ACE, Naver Webtoon is dedicated to safeguarding creators’ rights and enhancing awareness of the critical issues surrounding illegal distribution. By collaborating with ACE and industry stakeholders, they aim to devise effective strategies to combat piracy.
A Growing Coalition Against Piracy
Established in 2017 to tackle online piracy, ACE has expanded to include over 50 members, encompassing major Hollywood studios and content providers from various regions, including Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Strategic Expansion and Market Engagement
Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the MPA and ACE, highlighted the significance of Naver Webtoon’s inclusion in ACE. “Integrating Naver Webtoon into our coalition enhances our outreach in the Asia Pacific and strengthens our global mission to uphold intellectual property across all formats,” he noted. Rivkin emphasized the organization’s continuous pursuit of new opportunities in vital markets, aiming to collaborate with local law enforcement to fortify efforts against piracy that undermines content creators and compromises consumer safety.
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