Code Geass anime rights and licensing: who owns and distributes it
Code Geass is a rare original anime property fully owned by its studio, Sunrise, making its licensing chain clearer than many adapted series.
Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-08-19.
Short answer: Sunrise Inc. owns the Code Geass franchise, including the original TV series and the Rebuild-style compilation film trilogy. Bandai Entertainment originally released the series in North America, and Funimation Entertainment acquired the series license in 2013, later licensing the recap film trilogy from Sunrise in 2017 and 2018. The catalog is now available on Crunchyroll following Sony's consolidation of Funimation's licenses.
Who owns the anime rights to Code Geass
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is an original anime series created by Sunrise, with character designs by CLAMP and direction by Goro Taniguchi. Because it is not based on a pre-existing manga or light novel, Sunrise holds the full copyright and exploitation rights to the franchise.
The on-screen notice reads 'SUNRISE/PROJECT GEASS,' with character design copyright attributed to CLAMP and ST. This structure means Sunrise controls theatrical, streaming, home video, and merchandise licensing without needing approval from a separate publisher.
North American distribution history
Bandai Entertainment originally released Code Geass in North America. In 2013, Funimation Entertainment acquired the series license and later released a remastered Blu-ray set on October 4, 2016, featuring both seasons and a collector's edition.
At Anime NYC in November 2017, Sunrise announced that Funimation had picked up the domestic rights to the Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion film trilogy. The following April, Sunrise confirmed at Anime Boston that Funimation had licensed the recap films for North America.
Code Geass North American license transitions.| Title | Original North American licensor | Later licensor | Notes |
|---|
| Code Geass TV series (R1 and R2) | Bandai Entertainment | Funimation (from 2013) | Blu-ray release October 4, 2016 |
| Code Geass film trilogy | - | Funimation (from 2017) | Announced at Anime NYC 2017 |
Current streaming and home video status
After Sony's acquisition of Crunchyroll and the absorption of Funimation's catalog, Code Geass and the compilation films are available on Crunchyroll in supported territories. The original Funimation Blu-ray releases remain the documented North American physical editions.
Because Sunrise owns the franchise outright, future reissues, remasters, or new sequels do not require publisher approvals, though CLAMP retains character-design rights that must be respected in new productions.
Why Code Geass rights are unusually clean
Most anime are adaptations, so rights are split between a publisher and a production committee. Code Geass is an original Sunrise production, so the studio owns the entire chain. This makes sublicensing decisions faster and clearer.
The trade-off is that merchandise, spin-offs, and sequels still require Sunrise's direct approval. There is no separate manga publisher to clear, but Sunrise remains the gatekeeper for every use of the property.
Ownership uncertainty note: Sunrise's ownership of Code Geass is publicly stated in credits and press announcements. However, the current sublicensing map for each territory, language, and format is not fully disclosed. Streaming availability on Crunchyroll applies only to the territories covered by Sony's current license.
What this means for researchers
If you are researching ownership, Sunrise is the definitive rights holder. If you are looking for the current English-language distributor, Sony's anime division, operating through Crunchyroll, now handles streaming exploitation of the Funimation-acquired catalog.
For territory-specific questions, check the local Crunchyroll catalog or local home video listings, because Sunrise licenses Code Geass on a territory-by-territory basis.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the anime rights to Code Geass?
Sunrise Inc. owns the Code Geass franchise. CLAMP and ST hold character-design copyright, but Sunrise controls the anime exploitation rights.
Who licenses Code Geass in North America?
Bandai Entertainment originally released the series. Funimation acquired the series license in 2013 and later licensed the recap film trilogy from Sunrise. The catalog is now on Crunchyroll.
Is Code Geass on Crunchyroll?
Yes. The original series and compilation films are available on Crunchyroll in supported territories following Sony's consolidation of the Funimation catalog.
Did Funimation license the Code Geass movies?
Yes. Sunrise announced at Anime NYC 2017 that Funimation had acquired domestic rights to the Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion film trilogy.