Possible copyright issues/questions concerning my 6th novel and a recent Japanese manga?

[Ross]

Hello again, everyone!

First of all, I am not certain if this is even the correct place for posting a question like this. If it's not, please forgive me.

I am at least somewhat concerned, because of what could become an issue of copyright infringement. You see, on June 10, 2019, Lucifer's Henchmen was published by me, and copyrighted possibly a few days prior. And in March or April of the same year (2019), I wrote a chapter (THIRD CLONE BATTLE: LOUISA’S GRASS FOREST), in which a powerful, Unique Secret Power is revealed. I've named it the Chikinkami Ocular Beam.

It's essentially a pair of purple-colored laser beams, which are shot from a Sky Fighter's eyes. You can read all about it by heading to this page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1073110931/... ...And using the Search Inside feature to find the words 'Ocular Beam'.

Why is this such a big deal to me? Well, because in October 4th, 2019 in Japan and August 4th 2020 in America, 4 specific Manga-chapters of the hit series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations were published. And in chapter 32, "A Sense of Duty" a female character they created uses an eye-beam almost identical to the one I described in my 6th novel! o_o And I've only just found this out earlier today. You can read this particular manga-chapter by clicking here: https://narutomangafree.com/manga/bor...

Now, my question to you in regards to this is...What can I do about it? Should I find a way to contact the creators of this Manga and interrogate them? Or should I find a lawyer? Has anything like this ever happened to any of you with one of your stories and finding another story, where at least one part of the other story is identical to yours?

Please let me know...Thanks, everyone!

[[deleted user]]

You would probably be better off contacting the editors of this manga, rather than its author(s), and explain the problem you have with it. Generally, editors and publishing houses don't like bad publicity and will tend to dig in to see if there is a real problem for them there. A lawsuit however would be a bad idea, especially if you argue a case overseas, as it would cost you a fortune and would not give you any assurances of winning.

[C.C.]

Ross,

Alas zero chance of succeeding and neither would they. Honestly, Ocular as in pertaining to the Eye, Beam as in a Ray or Shaft of light. Even Chikinkami is a type of embroidery of Indian ethnic origin. With minimal searching, I find the phrase Ocular Beam on the Fireemblem Wiki and a spell in World of Warcraft. Both of which likely predates either usage.

A few words does not a copyright infringement make, unless you trademarked the phrase and if you had attempted such would get bounced in all likelihood. I suggest you give this one up. Sorry.

A wholesale lift of paragraphs or chapters is a copyright infringement.

[Ross]

Michel wrote: "You would probably be better off contacting the editors of this manga, rather than its author(s), and explain the problem you have with it. Generally, editors and publishing houses don't like bad p..."

Hi all!

First of all, thank you for your honest answers, folks! I had no idea eye-beams were this popular in media. I know Cyclops used them, though about Superman? I don't know.

I was actually more worried someone (A fan of Boruto) would have accused me of copyright infringement than me going after some probably-famous writer in Japan. Hopefully, this won't happen, even if I do decide on contacting the editors of this manga. I guess I can say nothing more on this topic. Cheers!