JioStar, the joint entertainment venture between Reliance and Walt Disney, has initiated legal action against rival Zee Entertainment, claiming unauthorized broadcast of 12 Bollywood films. In a detailed 120-page plea submitted to the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee on May 4th, JioStar asserts it possesses the rights to these films and alleges Zee aired them repeatedly without permission. The committee has scheduled a mediation session for May 25th, where Zee is expected to present its case.
JioStar is seeking damages totaling over Rs 250 million (approximately $2.61 million) for what it describes as habitual copyright infringement and unauthorized exploitation of films. The accusation specifically includes the broadcast of the Aamir Khan starrer 'Dangal', along with other blockbusters featuring prominent actors such as Shah Rukh Khan. JioStar contends that Zee has aired these 12 distinct films approximately 20 times each.
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Both JioStar and Zee Entertainment have declined to officially comment on the ongoing dispute.
A Web of Legal Entanglements
This latest legal skirmish is not an isolated incident between the two media giants. The companies are currently involved in a separate, significant $1 billion arbitration concerning a failed cricket licensing agreement from 2024. Adding another layer to their competitive antagonism, Zee Entertainment had previously filed a lawsuit against JioStar in April, alleging the unauthorized use of its copyrighted music following the expiry of licensing agreements. Zee's defense in the current film rights case reportedly frames the alleged broadcasts as "inadvertent and accidental," while asserting it had obtained production house clearance for 'Dangal', thereby disclaiming responsibility.
Industry Giants Clash
JioStar and Zee Entertainment are significant players in India's media landscape, reaching hundreds of millions of viewers through their extensive networks of television channels and streaming platforms. This escalating legal battle underscores the intense competition and complex rights management inherent in the burgeoning Indian entertainment sector. The involvement of the Delhi High Court's mediation committee highlights efforts to resolve such disputes outside of protracted court proceedings.
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