Anime Reaction Creators Clash With Copyright Enforcement Firm

Anime reaction YouTubers are accusing a copyright enforcement company of systematically targeting creators through a wave of what they describe as false copyright strikes.

As The Verge first reported, YouTuber Nicholas Light recently alleged that Remove Your Media, led by CEO Eric Green, has initiated thousands of copyright strikes against creators who feature clips from popular series such as *One Piece* and *Bleach*. Light, who has 1.3 million subscribers, told The Verge that more than a dozen copyright strikes resulting from Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) requests led to the temporary removal of over 60 of his videos. Light characterized the firm's tactics as abusive and suggested the company is attempting to gain the attention of major corporations to secure employment.

Evan F. Stone, a legal representative for Remove Your Media, told The Verge that the firm's largest anime clients include Crunchyroll and Viz Media. Stone stated that the company reports thousands of allegedly infringing links daily, some of which are provided by the copyright owners.

While creators argue their reaction videos—which often feature altered or blurred footage—are transformative and protected by fair use, Stone disputed this claim. He argued that these videos often show copyrighted work in its entirety and can negatively impact the marketplace by serving as a free alternative to licensed versions. Additionally, Stone noted that some creators use these channels to drive viewers toward paid Patreon pages, which he argues justifies the firm's takedown requests without the need for extensive individual video reviews.