Can Someone Buy the License for an Anime That Already Exists?

Theoretically, yes, you can buy the license for an anime that already exists, especially if the production has been paused or ended. However, it is essential to consider the many layers of complexity involved when attempting to acquire and continue the story of an existing IP.

Theoretical Possibility and Actual Barriers

When an anime series has finished production or is no longer being produced, the rights holders may be amenable to selling the rights if they can make a profit from it. However, there are multiple considerations and complexities that must be addressed, including licensing arrangements, ownership, and fan expectations.

Multiple Licensees and International Distribution

Many anime titles are licensed around the world to different distributors, each with their own exclusive territories. A sale would need to be structured carefully to accommodate all these licenses. The producers may own the base IP, but the distributors have rights for their respective countries. Even titles that have ceased production might still generate revenue in certain regions, further complicating the picture.

IP Ownership and Collaborations

In some cases, the base IP might be owned by an artist but shared with a production studio, creating additional layers of ownership. If you intend to continue the story, you would need to hire the original artists, and the challenge would be to assure the fans that the new content will maintain the correct look and feel. This can be particularly difficult when seeking input from the original team.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Beyond these complexities, acquiring and continuing an anime series requires significant legal and financial resources. Large multinationals like Disney have successfully navigated the intricacies of IP acquisition and management, as seen in their ongoing projects with Star Wars. Their ability to manage these variables and maintain brand integrity is a testament to the feasibility, albeit with significant challenges, of such acquisitions.

Conclusion

While it is theoretically possible to buy the license for an anime series that already exists, the process is fraught with various obstacles. These include negotiating with multiple licensees, ensuring the legal transfer of rights, and maintaining the quality and fan trust. If you are willing to invest the time, money, and legal expertise, acquiring and continuing an existing anime series is a complex but potentially rewarding endeavor.