India's Zee escalates copyright fight against Reliance-Disney's JioStar
DIS•Zee asked the Delhi High Court to initiate contempt proceedings against JioStar, alleging it continued using Zee's copyrighted content despite a court injunction. Zee cited six instances between May and July; the case is next scheduled to be heard in December.
1. Zee alleges continued use
Zee Entertainment asked the Delhi High Court to initiate contempt proceedings against JioStar, alleging the joint venture continued using Zee's music and songs despite a court order barring such use. In a filing dated September 21, Zee called the alleged conduct “wilful disobedience” and cited six instances between May and July.
2. Case moves forward
The court asked JioStar to respond to Zee's latest allegations, and the case is due to be heard next in December. The dispute began in April, when Zee sought $3 million in damages over 50 alleged copyright violations. In May, the court ordered JioStar not to use, publish, broadcast, stream or upload Zee's licensed works.
3. JioStar's earlier response
JioStar's lawyers previously described the alleged infringements as “unintentional” and “purely residual in nature.” The company said in May it had removed a substantial volume of Zee content after licensing agreements expired.
