Key holding or allegation
Plaintiff allegations only; Perplexity contested the claims at the first oral hearing and no merits decision was identified by the cutoff.
Why it matters
Major Japanese AI-search copyright litigation likely to test application of Japanese copyright exceptions and access restrictions if it reaches merits.
Facts
Nikkei and Asahi allege unauthorised copying/storage and use of newspaper articles in AI-generated search answers, including despite technical measures intended to restrict automated access.
Issues before the court
Whether acquisition, storage, retrieval and output conduct infringe and what remedies are available.
What the court did not decide
No merits holding and no judicial ruling on Article 30-4 should be attributed.
Procedural timeline
Tokyo District Court
Complaint filed: Nikkei and Asahi filed claims alleging unauthorised copying/storage of newspaper content and use in Perplexity AI search answers.
Tokyo District Court
First oral hearing: First oral hearing held; Perplexity sought dismissal/contested the claims.