Funimation shutdown sparks DMCA exemption push for anime ripping
The gist
Two anime collectors have petitioned the U.S. Copyright Office to let disc owners make personal backup copies.
The Funimation shutdown left digital-copy buyers with nothing, and the office is weighing it.
How it unfolded
- Apr 2024Funimation shut down its app and website as it became part of Crunchyroll, cutting off access to Funimation digital copies included with DVDs and Blu-rays.
- Last week (relative to Nov 3, 2026)The U.S. Copyright Office opened ten proposed classes for public comment as part of its periodic DMCA exemption review.
- Nov 2, 2026CBR posted on Instagram about the Copyright Office reviewing proposals on anime preservation.
Key terms
- U.S. Copyright Office
- A U.S. government body within the Library of Congress that registers copyrights and advises on copyright issues.
- DMCA
- A 1998 US copyright law that bans circumventing access controls and limits online service liability.
- anti-circumvention provision
- A legal rule banning the bypassing of technological barriers that restrict how digital works may be used.
Source: Wikipedia