Delhi High Court Issues Dynamic Injunction Against Rogue Websites for Copyright Infringement
Universal City Studios Productions Successfully Secures Court Order to Combat Online Piracy
In a landmark decision dated September 23, 2025, the Delhi High Court issued a dynamic injunction against 106 rogue websites that were found to be indulging in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted content. The ruling was delivered in the case of Universal City Studios Productions LLLP & Others versus Isaidub.Spot & Others, marking a significant move in the ongoing battle against online piracy.
Presided over by Justice Ms. Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, the court recognized the plaintiffs, major global entertainment companies, as legitimate owners and distributors of various cinematographic works. The plaintiffs, represented by a team of advocates led by Mr. Sidharth Chopra, contended that the rogue websites were persistently violating their exclusive rights by making their original content available for download, streaming, and distribution without authorization.
The court's decision was heavily influenced by the precedent set in the case of UTV Software Communication Ltd. v. 1337X.TO, where similar issues of online piracy were addressed. The Delhi High Court acknowledged the hydra-headed nature of online piracy, where infringing websites often reappear under different domains or alphanumeric variations. To address this, the court granted a "Dynamic Injunction," allowing the plaintiffs to take swift action against newly discovered infringing websites.
Key directives were also issued to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Domain Name Registrants (DNRs), and government bodies such as the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY). These entities were instructed to block access to the infringing websites and provide compliance details to ensure the effectiveness of the injunction.
The judgment emphasized the plaintiffs' prima facie case, the balance of convenience in their favor, and the irreparable harm they would face without the injunction. The court's order not only restricts the current infringing activities but also empowers the plaintiffs to extend the injunction to mirror or redirect websites that might emerge in the future.
This decision serves as a significant deterrent against online piracy, reinforcing the protection of intellectual property rights in the digital domain. The Delhi High Court's proactive approach in granting a dynamic injunction is expected to set a precedent for similar cases, providing relief to content creators and distributors facing the challenges of unauthorized online distribution.
Bottom Line:
Copyright Infringement - Injunction order issued against rogue websites indulging in unauthorized distribution of copyrighted content, with the grant of a "Dynamic Injunction" to address the hydra-headed nature of online piracy.
Statutory provision(s): Copyright Act, 1957 Sections 13, 14(d), 40, 51(a)(ii), 51(b); Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 Sections 149, 151; Commercial Courts Act, 2015; Delhi High Court (Original Side) Rules, 2018
Universal City Studios Productions LLLP v. Isaidub.Spot, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2789458
