Zee Escalates Copyright Dispute With JioStar, Seeks Contempt Proceedings in Delhi High Court

Zee Entertainment has approached the Delhi High Court seeking contempt proceedings against JioStar, alleging that the Reliance-Disney joint venture continued to use its copyrighted material despite an earlier court order restricting such use. 

Invest in Indian Markets and Unlock Future Potential With 5paisa!

Open Account Now

The latest filing, dated September 21, marks another step in the copyright dispute between the two media companies. Zee has alleged that its music and songs continued to appear in programmes broadcast on JioStar’s platforms even after the court’s intervention. 

Zee has cited six instances between May and July that it claims show continued use of its copyrighted works. 

JioStar declined to comment on the latest development, while Zee did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. 

Delhi High Court seeks JioStar’s response 

The matter was heard by the Delhi High Court on Friday. According to a source familiar with the proceedings cited by Reuters, the court asked JioStar to respond to Zee’s latest allegations. 

The case is scheduled to be heard again in December. 

The dispute dates back to April, when Zee sought $3 million in damages over 50 alleged copyright violations involving material belonging to its music division. 

In May, the Delhi High Court issued an order restricting JioStar from using or distributing Zee’s licensed works across its platforms. 

JioStar had previously maintained before the court that the alleged infringements were unintentional and residual in nature. It also stated in May that a substantial amount of Zee content had been removed after licensing agreements expired. 

Zee cites six instances in latest filing 

Zee’s latest filing centres on six instances recorded between May and July. 

The broadcaster alleges that these instances show that its copyrighted material continued to be used despite the May order. On this basis, Zee has sought contempt proceedings against JioStar. 

The allegations remain part of an ongoing court case, with JioStar now expected to respond before the matter returns for hearing in December. 

Dispute unfolds between major media rivals 

JioStar was created through the $8.5 billion merger of Reliance and Disney’s Indian media businesses in 2024 and is India’s largest media and entertainment company. Zee is one of the country’s oldest broadcasters and operates as a smaller competitor. 

The current case is not the only copyright dispute involving the two sides. 

The Reliance-Disney joint venture has previously taken legal action against Zee over the alleged unauthorised broadcast of Bollywood films for which JioStar held the rights. 

The latest filing now puts Zee’s allegations of continued copyright use back before the Delhi High Court, with the next hearing expected in December.