Court Orders Immediate Blocking of Infringing Websites and Mobile Apps Streaming Unauthorized FIFA World Cup 2026 Content
In a significant move to protect intellectual property rights, the Delhi High Court has granted Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. an interim injunction against several rogue websites and mobile applications allegedly streaming FIFA World Cup 2026 content without authorization. The judgment, delivered by Justice Saurabh Banerjee, aims to curb widespread copyright infringement and ensure compliance with broadcasting rights.
Zee Entertainment, the plaintiff, which holds exclusive media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India, approached the court seeking urgent relief to prevent unauthorized streaming of the event. The company argued that rogue websites were engaged in illegal broadcasting, thereby violating its rights under the Copyright Act, 1957.
The court acknowledged the plaintiff's rights, emphasizing the balance of convenience and potential irreparable loss if the injunction was not granted. Justice Banerjee highlighted the challenges posed by masked rogue players who exploit technology to infringe upon legitimate intellectual property rights. The judgment underscored the necessity of real-time blocking mechanisms to prevent the creation of mirror or redirect variants of infringing websites.
In its order, the court directed domain name registrars and internet service providers to comply with blocking orders and disclose registrant details. It also mandated the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to ensure compliance by ISPs under them.
The judgment reflects a proactive stance against digital piracy, recognizing the dynamic nature of copyright infringement in the digital age. By granting a "dynamic+ injunction," the court allowed for real-time blocking of infringing websites and associated mobile applications, providing robust protection to Zee Entertainment's rights.
This decision marks a precedent for similar cases, emphasizing the need for swift judicial intervention to safeguard intellectual property in an increasingly digital world. The court's directive to the plaintiff to notify further rogue websites and file affidavits ensures continuous monitoring and enforcement of the injunction.
The interim injunction remains in effect until the next hearing scheduled for October 6, 2026, during which further developments in the case will be reviewed.
Bottom line:-
Copyright infringement in digital broadcasting - Plaintiff granted interim injunction to restrain rogue websites and mobile applications from unauthorized streaming of FIFA 2026 content.
Statutory provision(s): Copyright Act, 1957 Section 37, Commercial Courts Act, 2015 Section 12A, Civil Procedure Code, 1908 Section 151
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. v. https://soccerbox.me/, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc id # 2915390
