"I Thought It Was Free" Leads to Legal Trouble — Consultations on Copyright Infringement via Torrents Up 60% YoY in First Half of 2026

"I Thought It Was Free" Leads to Legal Trouble — Consultations on Copyright Infringement via Torrents Up 60% YoY in First Half of 2026

Haruta Law Firm (12 nationwide offices, Representative: Fujimaro Haruta) analyzed legal consultation data received from 2022 to the first half of 2026. The results revealed a 60% year-on-year increase in consultations related to copyright infringement via torrents and similar methods during the first half of 2026, showing particularly high growth among internet-related legal issues.

"I used it thinking I could get videos or manga for free, but later received disclosure requests or damage claims from the copyright holder's agent" — such consultations are increasingly common among general office workers and students.

Main Survey Results (Based on Consultation Records at the Firm)

① Copyright Infringement (via Torrents, etc.) Consultations Up 60% YoY in First Half of 2026

Consultation volume in the first half of 2026 increased by +60% compared to the same period last year.

From 2022 to 2025, consultations expanded nearly threefold.

In 2026, the first half alone reached approximately 83% of the total consultations for the entire year of 2025.

Copyright infringement (via torrents, etc.) consultations increased by 60% year-on-year in the first half of 2026.

② Copyright Infringement is the Most Common Type of Internet Legal Trouble — Accounts for About 60%

Breakdown of internet-related legal consultations (first half of 2026) is as follows. Copyright infringement accounts for about 60%, showing sharp growth compared to the previous year.

Copyright infringement is the most common type of internet legal trouble, accounting for about 60%.

③ Approximately 1 in 10 Legal Consultations at the Firm Are Internet-Related

In the first half of 2026, 10.4% of all legal consultations received by the firm were internet-related issues. These are becoming established as everyday legal concerns alongside inheritance, divorce, and criminal cases.

※All figures are based on consultation records at Haruta Law Firm.

【On Quoting or Republishing This Survey】

When quoting or republishing these results, please credit "Source: Haruta Law Firm" and link to the following URL:

https://haruta-lo.com/column/torrent-chosakuken-shingai-2026/

Background and Legal Commentary

【Comment by Representative Attorney Fujimaro Haruta】

Consultations on copyright infringement, especially illegal downloading via torrents, are noticeably increasing. This is due to the advancement of monitoring technologies and more aggressive legal actions by copyright management organizations and rights holders. In the past, individuals were hard to identify, but now most people only realize the seriousness when they suddenly receive a certified letter from a lawyer.

A common mistake is assuming "I can ignore it" or "I can handle it myself to save costs" after receiving a claim, leading to poor initial responses. In copyright infringement cases, early intervention by a specialist creates room for negotiation, but ignoring the claim or contacting the other party directly risks significantly increasing the requested amount.

Those who suspect they may be involved should consult a lawyer as early as possible — even before receiving a formal request. Just organizing the situation during the first consultation can expand response options.

【Key Points Users Should Know】

Copyright infringement can occur even if the content was "free"

Do not ignore disclosure or damage claims when received

Settlement negotiations should be conducted through professionals (lawyers)

Survey Overview

Surveying Body

Haruta Law Firm

Period

January 2022 – June 2026

Target Data

Legal consultations received by the firm (by category)

Published Values

Composition ratios and growth rates

Date of Aggregation

July 1, 2026

Overview of Haruta Law Firm

Haruta Law Firm

● Organization Name Haruta Law Firm ● Representative Fujimaro Haruta ● Number of Offices 12 nationwide (as of July 2026) ● Main Practice Areas Criminal Cases / Divorce & Infidelity Compensation / Internet Legal Issues / Prenuptial Agreements / Eviction Compensation / Debt Restructuring / Inheritance / Traffic Accidents / Workers' Compensation / Asbestos Damage / Information Security, etc. ● URL https://haruta-lo.com ● Media Inquiries & Contact Contact: Marketing Team Email: [email protected] Main Phone: 03-3528-8696