56616


On some manga websites & apps (e.g. [BOOK☆WALKER Global
Store](https://global.bookwalker.jp/)), there is a symbol that looks like
"ABJ" usually at the end of a page

> ![The ABJ mark](https://i.stack.imgur.com/pruhn.png)

followed with

> The ABJ mark is a trademark indicating that this e-bookstore and e-book
> distribution service is an authorized distribution service that has been
> licensed for use by the copyright holder.

What does it mean?


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2020-01-25T09:03:43.500
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2020-07-25T04:01:24.940
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licensing
What does "ABJ" mean on some manga websites & apps?


**"ABJ" stands for "Authorized Books of Japan".**

Citing from [Association for E-Publishing Business
Solution](https://aebs.or.jp/ABJ_mark.html) (Japanese),

> The ABJ mark is a trademark indicating that this e-bookstore and e-book
> distribution service is an authorized distribution service that has been
> licensed for use by the copyright holder. The aim was to provide an
> environment where readers can read and subscribe with peace of mind, and to
> promote the development of a healthy content market.
>
> ![The ABJ mark](https://i.stack.imgur.com/gsKzy.png)

It means that the digital service provider (e.g. websites, apps) is officially
authorized and has been given permission to use licensed works. Services that
have this mark _always_ mean that they are legal providers. However, services
that do not have this mark does _not_ mean that they are illegal (e.g.
[Crunchyroll Manga](https://www.crunchyroll.com/comics/manga)) since there is
a procedure needs to be done to get the mark.

Some supplementing quotes in English regarding the mark:

  * Manga Planet - [Updates on System Improvement](https://support.mangaplanet.com/updates-on-system-improvement/):

>     * Addition of the ABJ mark and short description to the footer
>
> The ABJ mark is a trademark indicating that this e-bookstore and e-book
> distribution service is an authorized distribution service that has been
> licensed for use by the copyright holder.
>
> We will continue to release e-books with rights properly processed to
> contribute to the development of the manga market.

  * Beaglee Inc. - [Non-Consolidated Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018](http://disclosure.ifis.co.jp/data/disclose/79/20190228/140120190228483804.pdf) (PDF):

> Moreover, the Company has obtained permission to use the ABJ mark that
> signifies it provides full version services with permission for use of
> contents granted by the copyright holders.

The whitelisted services are listed on [this PDF
file](https://aebs.or.jp/pdf/ABJmark_Whitelist.pdf) (updated irregularly).
From left-to-right:

  * Registration number
  * Service name
  * Operator (business company/person) - with the last updated date

Example of English manga sites that have been registered:

  * [BOOK☆WALKER Global Store](https://global.bookwalker.jp/): ABJ 10291001
  * [MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA](https://mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/updates): ABJ 10921042
  * [Manga Planet Library](https://read.mangaplanet.com/): ABJ 11981000

In summary:

  * Has ABJ mark: always legal
  * Does not have ABJ mark: maybe legal, but most possibly illegal


CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-01-25T09:03:43.500
56616
2020-01-25T09:03:43.500
2516
56615
answer