Reserves right to re-file suits later against those who allegedly distributed anime

The North American anime distributor Funimation filed a March 18 notice of dismissal for its January lawsuit against 1,337 "Does" who had allegedly downloaded and distributed an episode of the television series One Piece . In February, Senior United States District Judge Royal Furgeson had already removed defendants 2 through 1,337 from the suit; the judge said that Funimation had to file individual, separate lawsuits for each defendant because the accused were not "acting in concert."

In its March 18 notice, Funimation voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit against all remaining defendants, but also stated that "as a matter of law," it retains and reserves the right to re-file the claims "against any of these defendants, jointly or as individuals."

ANN requested a comment from Funimation regarding its notice of dismissal.

Image © Eichiro Oda/Shueisha, Toei Animation