Zee Entertainment has filed a lawsuit in New Delhi against the Reliance-Disney joint venture JioStar, alleging continued use of Zee’s copyrighted music after the expiry of licensing agreements. According to a Reuters report, Zee is seeking $3 million in damages for the unauthorized use and exploitation of works belonging to its music division on JioStar’s streaming platform and TV channels.

50 alleged infringements across TV and streaming: In its 1,800-page lawsuit filed on April 14, Zee alleged that Reliance-Disney used its music at least 50 times after licensing agreements expired in 2024 and 2025. The agreements were not renewed due to commercial disagreements. Zee claimed that the continued use of its catalogue was unlawful and asked the court to stop further infringements and award monetary compensation.

The alleged infringements are said to have occurred across music and dance shows aired on both television and the JioHotstar streaming app.

Prior negotiations failed to resolve the dispute: Court documents indicate that Zee and JioStar recently held discussions and exchanged correspondence regarding the disputed use of music. In December, JioStar informed Zee that it had taken significant steps to remove infringing content from its portfolio, including legacy programming.

However, JioStar maintained that residual and passive archival hosting does not constitute infringement or unlawful communication, a position disputed by Zee. The next hearing is scheduled for July 23.

Part of a deepening legal battle between two media giants: The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal disputes between Zee and the group formed through Reliance and Disney’s $8.5 billion merger in 2024. It highlights growing tensions over content rights as India’s streaming and broadcast market consolidates.

The two companies are also involved in a separate high-stakes dispute. Reliance is seeking $1 billion in damages from Zee through London arbitration, alleging that Zee withdrew from a cricket licensing deal in 2024. Zee has denied any wrongdoing and is contesting the claim.

Zee widens its copyright enforcement across industries: Zee’s action against JioStar is part of a broader effort to address what it considers the misuse of its music catalogue. Zee has also filed a lawsuit against Nykaa, alleging unauthorized use of its copyrighted songs in Instagram reels to promote products, and is seeking $210,000 in damages.

Read more:

• Zee Accuses ShareChat of Copyright Breach After Licence Expiry; Delhi HC Allows Copyright Case in Delhi
• Supreme Court Sets Aside Order Directing Bloomberg to Take Down Article on Zee, Highlights Impact on Freedom of Speech
• Delhi HC asks ShareChat and Moj to remove Zee’s copyright content from its libraries