Dunno for Naruto, but VBG is official licensee for One Piece.

In Malaysia, VBG is the licensee. Licensing is done per country/region basis. Packaging and number of episodes of original product for each country/region may vary.

I'll try asking about that next time.

Although given the rights to copy and distribute One Piece episodes, they won't necessarily produce the same DVD as the licensee in Japan (avex movie) does. In fact, if they want, they can have two licensees in Japan, each with their own style of packaging, with different bonus contents. It's just that it doesn't make sense to do so.

Hmmm this might spell trouble. Copyright of Pixiv artwork is owned by both pixiv (for only on pixiv.net) and the artist (for anywhere else). And if the video is taken from tv airing, then the tv station holds partial copyright (IANAL so I can't confirm this) for any overlays.
If Toei knows their license is being used for infringing copyright of others, they might revoke it.

I think I'll send the next e-mail next Monday. I'll ask about:
1) How many episodes/seasons the license is valid for,
2) Usage of content from third party without permission (I don't have my own proof for this though), including fan-arts and TV airings,
3) Sale to other regions

Got anything else to ask?

Covered in point 2 of question I'm going to ask.
Depending on the wording of the license, licensee can produce any version as long as it's from the master copy provided by Toei. If Toei chose to release to VBG only the old master copy used for TV air, then they have to make do with it.
Regarding logo, various announcement telops, that will also be covered in point 2. It could prove that VBG never used master copy.
I don't understand what you are saying. By "official content release date", do you mean Japan licensee's release date? Release date of Japan DVD is not determined by Toei only. It also depends on Avex Movie (Japan licensee). Because release by VBG is, in Malaysia, also official content. If Toei allows earlier release by other licensees, then it's possible for VBG to release latest episodes earlier. Anyway, this will be covered in point 1 (regarding number of episodes the license is valid for)


There is a general disclaimer there, so both Oda-sensei or Toei probably won't nitpick on this one. As for the artwork usage, I don't think Toei cares, but Oda-sensei may care, and if he does, he can complain directly to Toei. Therefore, this matter won't be in my e-mail. If you think this misuse of artwork will diminish the good name of One Piece, try reporting to Oda-sensei directly about this. (better if you complain directly to VBG first. doubt they'll listen though…)

10 working days passed, but no reply from Toei. So rainy~days, you've probably hit the jackpot.

I've included the links in my last mail (3 weeks ago), asking whether they had rights to release episodes that were just aired, and whether they had rights to export to other countries. And I pointed out that VBG's 'official' distributor, AnimationLV, sells to Japan as well.

The problem is that VBG is an official licensee. But they misused the license.