Delhi High Court Grants Relief to Viacom 18, Restrains Illegal Streaming of IPL Events

In a recent verdict, the Delhi High Court delivered a dynamic injunction in favor of Viacom 18 Media Private Limited, prohibiting several unauthorized websites from streaming Indian Premier League (IPL) events for the year 2024. Justice Sanjeev Narula, while emphasizing the need for evolving legal measures to combat copyright infringement in the digital era, underscored the significance of protecting intellectual property rights.

Viacom 18, holding exclusive digital media rights for IPL events within the Indian subcontinent and television rights overseas from 2023 to 2027, approached the court seeking relief against six rogue websites found to be unlawfully broadcasting matches of the cricket league, slated to continue until the end of May.

The court’s order not only restrained these platforms from hosting, streaming, or providing access to IPL content but also directed Domain Name Registrars to lock and suspend the identified websites. Telecom Service Providers were instructed to block access to these sites, safeguarding Viacom 18’s copyright interests.

Acknowledging the dynamic nature of digital piracy, the court granted Viacom 18 the freedom to report any new rogue websites engaging in similar illicit activities during the IPL season.

Justice Narula highlighted the IPL’s significance, not just as a sporting extravaganza but as a vital source of revenue and entertainment for the masses. He stressed that unauthorized dissemination of IPL events on various digital platforms posed a substantial threat to the plaintiff’s revenue streams. Such unlawful activities undermine the value of Viacom 18’s substantial investment in acquiring these rights.

The judge also drew attention to the broadcast of IPL events through Viacom’s OTT platform ‘JioCinema,’ accessible across a wide array of digital devices. He emphasized the peril posed by illegal streaming to the plaintiff’s investments and the broader implications for copyright law.

In summary, the Delhi High Court’s ruling represents a significant step in protecting intellectual property rights in the digital realm, safeguarding the interests of content creators and rights holders like Viacom 18 against online piracy and unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material.

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