Zee Entertainment has escalated its ongoing copyright dispute with Reliance-Disney joint venture JioStar, asking the Delhi High Court to initiate contempt proceedings over the alleged continued use of Zee’s copyrighted music and songs.
The latest legal move adds another layer to a growing battle over content rights between two of India’s major media companies.
Zee Alleges Continued Copyright Violations
In a filing dated September 21, Zee alleged that JioStar continued using its copyrighted music in programmes broadcast on television and streaming platforms despite an earlier court order.
Zee has described the alleged conduct as wilful disobedience of the court’s directions. The company cited six instances between May and July that it says demonstrate continued use of its copyrighted works.
The dispute centres on music whose licensing arrangements had expired, with Zee seeking to prevent the content from being used without authorisation.
Delhi High Court Had Ordered JioStar To Stop Using Zee Content
In May, the Delhi High Court directed JioStar not to use, publish, broadcast, stream or upload Zee’s licensed works.
The order followed a lawsuit filed by Zee in April, when the company sought $3 million in damages and alleged around 50 copyright violations involving content from its music division.
JioStar had previously told the court that the alleged violations were unintentional and largely residual. The company also said it had removed a substantial amount of Zee content after the relevant licensing agreements expired.
JioStar Asked To Respond
The latest allegations were considered by the Delhi High Court on Friday.
The court has asked JioStar to respond to Zee’s latest contempt application. The matter is expected to come up again in December.
JioStar has not commented on the latest allegations.
The court has therefore not made a final finding that JioStar is guilty of contempt. The latest proceedings concern Zee’s allegations and JioStar’s response to them.
Copyright Disputes Intensify Between Media Giants
The Zee-JioStar dispute is part of a broader series of legal battles over entertainment content in India’s increasingly consolidated media and streaming market.
JioStar was created following the combination of Reliance and Disney’s Indian media assets and controls a large portfolio of television and digital content.
Zee, meanwhile, operates television networks, a streaming platform and a substantial music catalogue.
The two companies have also faced disputes over other entertainment rights. Earlier this year, JioStar initiated legal action against Zee over the alleged unauthorised broadcast of Bollywood films for which JioStar held rights.
Content Rights Become A Major Battleground
As television and streaming platforms compete for audiences, ownership and licensing of music, films, sports and other entertainment content has become increasingly important.
The latest Zee-JioStar proceedings could determine how the companies handle copyrighted material that remains embedded in older programmes even after licensing agreements expire.
For now, the Delhi High Court is awaiting JioStar’s response to Zee’s allegations, with the copyright dispute set to continue into the coming months.
Summary
Zee Entertainment has asked the Delhi High Court to initiate contempt proceedings against JioStar, alleging continued use of its copyrighted music despite a court injunction. Zee has cited six alleged instances between May and July. JioStar previously said remaining uses were unintentional and residual. The court has sought JioStar’s response, with the matter expected to be heard again in December.
