Shinyûsha: "Similar Books" Protested

Shinyûsha, who pioneered the boom in Indian-style books with Indian Style Math Drills, sent out written protests to two companies who published books with strikingly similar titles and book covers. In both responses, which were received by July 23, the companies stated that the titles and covers did not violate copyright or unfair competition prevention laws. Shinyûsha is presently considering whether or not to take legal action and appeal.
The books in question are KK Best Seller's Indian-style Math Drills to Improve Your Mind, and Media Boy's Indian-style Drills Taught by University of Tokyo Students! The Ultimate Math Drills. What is particularly at issue for Shinyûsha is the covers of the books, which have the phrases "Indian-style" and "Math Drills" in enlarged print, making them appear to have the same title as the book published by Shinyûsha.
The General Affairs Department of Shinyûsha recognizes that design similarities exist, noting that "when books with similar designs come out, it creates a corner in the bookstore which helps promote them. We too consider the design of other works when putting out a book." However, they justified their protest by adding, "in the case of these two books, the titles are simply too close."


*Some of the book titles are tentative translations.
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