Zee Accuses JioStar of Violating Court Order on Music Rights
Media giants clash over expired copyright licenses in Delhi High Court
1Ongoing copyright dispute
Zee Entertainment alleges JioStar continues using its music despite a 5 May Delhi High Court order to stop. The dispute returned to court after failed mediation. Zee claims JioStar's license expired on 31 October 2025, yet its music still airs on JioStar's TV channels and streaming platforms serving 500 million users. The court has directed Zee to provide specific infringement instances while JioStar prepares its response.
2Key court directives
The Delhi High Court previously ordered JioStar to cease all use of Zee's copyrighted works - including broadcasting, streaming, and uploading. It permitted Zee to identify infringing content for removal. JioStar claims to have removed most content but acknowledges some legacy programs may still contain Zee's music as background score. The company has deployed automated systems to scrub remaining instances.
3Contradictory positions
Zee argues JioStar bears full responsibility as content controller, rejecting the 'notice-and-takedown' approach meant for intermediaries. JioStar cites technical challenges in completely removing embedded music from legacy shows. The court has refrained from ruling on contempt allegations, instead seeking specific evidence from Zee and a formal response from JioStar.
4Broader copyright enforcement
This case forms part of Zee's wider copyright protection strategy. The media conglomerate has also sued retailer Nykaa for allegedly using its music in promotional Instagram reels. Zee maintains its Meta license only permits non-commercial use, while Nykaa employed the tracks for brand promotion. These actions signal Zee's aggressive stance on intellectual property.
5Corporate backgrounds
JioStar emerged from Reliance Industries and Walt Disney's $8.5 billion Indian media merger in November 2025, inheriting vast content libraries. Zee, among India's oldest media companies, controls over 19,450 songs across 17 languages. The dispute highlights tensions between established players and new entrants in India's rapidly consolidating media landscape.
6Technical removal challenges
JioStar's counsel detailed extensive efforts to remove Zee's music, running multiple algorithms to identify and delete content. However, some tracks remain embedded in older programs' background scores. The company offered to work directly with Zee to resolve remaining cases within two weeks, acknowledging the complexity of complete removal from its massive content library.
7Legal strategy nuances
Zee's approach combines specific court actions with broader copyright assertions. By rejecting intermediary-style takedown processes for direct licensors, it seeks to establish stricter compliance standards. The company's simultaneous case against Nykaa demonstrates its strategy to enforce rights across different usage contexts - from broadcast to social media promotion.
8Industry implications
The case could set precedents for copyright enforcement in India's digital media era, particularly regarding legacy content and automated removal systems. As media consolidation increases, such disputes between major rights holders may become more frequent. The outcome will influence how companies handle expired licenses and technical compliance challenges.
Original article: mint - industry — Zee Accuses JioStar of Violating Court Order on Music Rights