I note the case Tokineki cited in your article as deciding whether certain elements, such as character figuration, when changed in an unauthorized manner may give rise to copyright infringement. Is there any case law that examines the protection of avatars as trademarks, designs, databases?
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Nakazaki0507
As far as I know, there are no cases or legislations protecting online avatars, but there are many cases protecting comic characters by Trademark Act and Unfair Competition Prevention Act.
Also, I found an English paper on copyright protection on fictional characters
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