Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has successfully secured a landmark ‘Dynamic+’ John Doe order from the Hon’ble Delhi High Court to protect its extensive content library from digital piracy. This groundbreaking legal victory extends protection to ZEEL’s vast array of movies, TV shows, and OTT content available on ZEE5, marking a major step forward in digital copyright enforcement in India.
The Dynamic+ John Doe order is a pioneering legal framework that enhances ZEEL’s ability to combat online piracy efficiently and effectively. Unlike traditional John Doe injunctions, which require individual court orders for each identified rogue website, this new order empowers ZEEL to notify the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) directly. This streamlined process ensures that new infringing sites are swiftly blocked without the need for repeated court interventions, accelerating ZEEL’s anti-piracy measures.
The court’s directive includes several key provisions:
- Blocking of 60 Websites: The order initially targets 103 rogue websites that were found to be illegally streaming ZEEL’s content, including films, TV shows, and ZEE5’s OTT offerings.
- Dynamic Notification Process: ZEEL now has the authority to notify relevant authorities (DoT, MeitY, and ISPs) about newly discovered infringing sites, expediting the blocking process.
- Broader Scope of Protection: In a significant enhancement, the order offers protection beyond the limited scope traditionally given to live sports events, covering ZEEL’s entire entertainment catalog.
With the ability to apply this dynamic framework across future cases of online infringement, ZEEL is poised to enhance the protection of its intellectual property and secure its digital assets for the long term. This proactive legal approach not only safeguards ZEEL’s content but also sets a new standard for digital piracy prevention, benefiting the broader content ecosystem and encouraging a safer online environment for creators and audiences alike.
This landmark decision is a significant win for ZEEL as it continues to strengthen its stance against digital piracy, ensuring the longevity of its high-quality content on digital platforms like ZEE5.
Saikrishna & Associates represented ZEEL in securing the Dynamic+ John Doe order, underscoring the importance of robust legal frameworks in the fight against digital piracy.
