ZEEL Secures ‘Dynamic+’ John Doe Order Against 103 Rogue Websites For Protection Against Digital Piracy

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has been granted a unique and comprehensive ‘Dynamic+’ John Doe order by the Hon'ble Delhi High Court. This pioneering legal relief stands out as one of the most extensive orders granting protection to ZEEL's content library, including movies, TV shows, and OTT content on ZEE5. This order represents a significant evolution in Indian copyright law jurisprudence, balancing the need for swift action against digital piracy with appropriate procedural safeguards.

The order grants ZEEL with authority to counter online infringement across the expansive digital landscape. Unlike traditional John Doe injunctions that require repeated court approvals for each newly identified rogue site, this approach enables ZEEL to directly notify the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) whenever new content infringing websites are discovered. This process ensures swift blocking actions, substantially enhancing the speed and efficiency of piracy countermeasures.

The court’s directive includes critical measures:

• Blocking of 60 websites: The first court injunction order which restrained a total of 103 rogue websites indulging in unauthorized content streaming of ZEEL’s content library, including movies, TV shows, and OTT content on ZEE5.

• Dynamic notification process: ZEEL to notify DoTs, MeitY, and ISPs directly to block additional infringing sites, expediting enforcement without requiring additional court order(s).

• Broader scope of protection: Extending beyond the ordinary scope limited to live sporting events, this mandate enables Zeel to protect its entire entertainment catalogue.

With this dynamic framework, ZEEL is positioned to apply this order across any infringing sites identified in the future. This benefits a broader content ecosystem, ensuring the longevity of high-quality digital entertainment for ZEEL/ZEE5’s diverse audience, underscoring ZEEL's commitment to protecting its valuable digital assets. This proactive anti-piracy order additionally fosters a safer online environment for content creators and setting a new industry benchmark in digital copyright enforcement.

Saikrishna & Associates served as the legal counsel for Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) in securing the Dynamic+ John Doe order.