Key Takeaways:
JioStar, a media venture of Reliance and Walt Disney, initiated legal action against rival Zee Entertainment for the unauthorized broadcast of 12 Bollywood films, seeking more than 250 million rupees ($2.61 million) in damages.
In a 120-page plea filed with a Delhi High Court mediation committee, JioStar accused Zee of being a "habitual infringer" that continued to engage in the "unauthorised broadcast and exploitation of the films." The legal filing, reviewed by Reuters, challenges Zee's broadcast of the films on approximately 20 occasions.
The alleged infringements include major Bollywood blockbusters such as the 2016 film Dangal and the 1975 classic Deewaar. Zee has countered that the broadcasts were "inadvertent and unintentional" and argued it had permission from the production house for the Dangal broadcast, denying any liability for damages.
The lawsuit intensifies the rivalry between India's top media players for dominance in the nation's $30 billion entertainment market, where JioStar holds a 34.2% share to Zee's 18%. The companies are already engaged in a $1 billion arbitration over a collapsed cricket licensing deal and a separate lawsuit filed by Zee against JioStar in April concerning music rights.
This latest legal challenge could expose Zee to financial liabilities and further complicate its competitive standing. The Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee has directed Zee to appear for mediation on May 25, which will be the next key date in the escalating dispute.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
