Legal Battle Intensifies Between JTBC and Studio C1 Over 'Fire Baseball'
The conflict between JTBC and Studio C1 over the baseball variety show 'Fire Baseball' is escalating. JTBC has filed a copyright infringement claim on YouTube against 'Fire Baseball,' while Studio C1 has countered by announcing a live broadcast partnership with SBS Plus.
The controversy began in March when the production of 'Strongest Baseball Season 4' was halted. After 'Strongest Baseball Season 3' concluded, JTBC accused C1 of overcharging production costs and refusing to submit supporting documents, leading to their split. In response, C1's PD Jang Si-won claimed that JTBC was attempting to seize the program's IP without providing revenue information, and he announced plans for legal action.
Legal Battle Intensifies Between JTBC and Studio C1 Over 'Fire Baseball'
PD Jang independently launched a YouTube channel, 'Studio Siwon StudioC1,' and began releasing 'Fire Baseball' episodes in May. The show, which combines baseball and entertainment, quickly gained popularity among viewers.
JTBC argued that 'Fire Baseball' was too similar in concept and format to 'Strongest Baseball' and took immediate action. They filed a lawsuit against C1 for copyright and trademark infringement and reported the content to YouTube, resulting in the removal of episodes 1-5 with a notice citing JTBC's copyright claim.
Legal Battle Intensifies Between JTBC and Studio C1 Over 'Fire Baseball'
Amid ongoing copyright disputes, C1 has chosen a new approach to reach viewers. On September 9, C1 uploaded a video titled 'Season Second Live Preview' on YouTube, announcing that 'Fire Baseball' would be broadcast live on SBS Plus. SBS Plus stated, "It is the role of a broadcaster to provide content that many viewers are interested in and excited about. Viewers have the right to enjoy good programs, and we aim to fulfill that."
Legal Battle Intensifies Between JTBC and Studio C1 Over 'Fire Baseball'
Regarding the current situation, JTBC stated to other media outlets, "We are aware of the current situation and are discussing future response plans internally." The conflict between JTBC and C1 is expected to extend to SBS Plus, potentially turning a simple content similarity issue into a broader broadcasting competition.
No Jong-eon, a representative lawyer at Law Firm Jonjae, told TenAsia, "The key in this legal dispute is how the court will determine the substantial similarity between 'Strongest Baseball' and 'Fire Baseball.' The outcome may vary depending on whether the focus is on the inherent similarity of baseball as a sport or on the format and expression of the variety show."
Legal Battle Intensifies Between JTBC and Studio C1 Over 'Fire Baseball'
Who will be recognized as the true creator of 'Strongest Baseball'? And to what extent will 'Fire Baseball' be acknowledged as an independent content? All eyes are on JTBC's next move and the court's decision.
