Home / Business and Economy / JioStar Sues Zee Over Film Rights Dispute
JioStar Sues Zee Over Film Rights Dispute
15 May
Summary
- JioStar accuses Zee of unauthorized broadcast of 12 Bollywood films.
- A $1 billion arbitration is ongoing in London over a cricket deal.
- Zee claims film broadcasts were inadvertent and unintentional.
JioStar, a venture of Reliance and Walt Disney, has filed a legal plea against Zee Entertainment for the alleged unauthorized broadcast of Bollywood films. This action escalates an existing conflict, including a $1 billion arbitration in London over a failed cricket licensing deal from 2024. JioStar claims Zee broadcast 12 distinct films approximately 20 times without permission.
filed on May 4, 2026, JioStar's plea describes Zee as a "habitual infringer" and seeks resolution through the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee. Zee stated the broadcasts were "inadvertent and unintentional" but declined liability for damages. The parties have exchanged numerous legal notices since February 2025, with mediation scheduled for May 25, 2026.
JioStar, formed from an $8.5 billion merger in 2024, is a leading player in India's media sector. Zee, an older media group, is a significant rival. This film rights dispute follows a separate music copyright case filed in April 2026, where Zee is seeking $3 million from JioStar for alleged unauthorized music usage.
