Dynamic+ Injunctions Essential to Thwart Digital Piracy in IPL Broadcasting Rights: Delhi High Court in Viacom 18 vs. John Doe & Ors.
In a landmark judgment concerning the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Delhi High Court has underscored the critical need for ‘Dynamic+’ injunctions as a robust legal response to combat digital piracy. The ruling came in the case of Viacom 18 Media Private Limited vs. John Doe & Ors., highlighting the evolving challenges in the protection of copyright in the digital era.
Legal Point of the Judgment:
The Court’s focus was on addressing the challenges posed by rogue websites streaming IPL events without authorization. The judgment centered on the concept of ‘Dynamic+’ injunctions, a legal tool evolving in response to digital piracy.
Facts and Issues:
Viacom 18, owning exclusive media rights for IPL events, faced infringement issues from rogue websites broadcasting the IPL matches illegally. The Defendants included various unidentified websites, domain name registrars, internet service providers, and government departments such as the DoT and MeitY.
Court Assessment:
Justice Sanjeev Narula meticulously assessed the case, emphasizing the significance of IPL broadcasting rights. He noted, “Unauthorized dissemination, telecasting, or broadcasting of these events on various websites and digital platforms poses a significant threat to the Plaintiff’s revenue streams.”
The Court recognized the recurring threat of rogue websites and the inadequacy of traditional legal injunctions against the dynamic nature of digital piracy. Justice Narula referred to the precedent of Universal City Studios LLC v. Dotmovies.baby1, underscoring the necessity for dynamic injunctions. He stated, “As innovation in technology continues, remedies to be granted also ought to be calibrated by Courts.”
Decision:The High Court granted an interim ‘Dynamic+’ injunction against the defendants, ordering immediate blocking measures by ISPs, DoT, and MeitY. The Court allowed the Plaintiff to dynamically add and block new rogue websites found infringing during the IPL event.
Date of Decision: March 22, 2024.
Viacom 18 Media Private Limited vs. John Doe & Ors.
