Chennai Super Kings has told the Madras High Court that it will not use film music, background scores or dialogues without obtaining the necessary licence, in a copyright dispute filed by Sun TV Network. The undertaking has come during a hearing related to allegations that the franchise had used copyrighted material in a promotional video for its 2026 jersey launch.
In the proceedings, the court has asked Sun TV Network whether it intends to pursue the main copyright suit after CSK’s undertaking, as per media reports. The dispute has centred on claims that CSK had used music, background scores and dialogues from the films Jailer, Jailer 2 and Coolie in promotional content.
During the hearing, CSK has informed the court that it will not use such recordings without first obtaining the required licences. The court has also been told that the promotional material containing the disputed content has already been removed.
Recording the undertaking, Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy has disposed of two interim applications filed by Sun TV seeking injunctions against CSK. The court has noted that the franchise has committed to refraining from using any of the disputed sound recordings or musical works without prior authorisation.
On a request from CSK’s counsel, the court has also asked Sun TV to clarify whether it wishes to proceed with the main copyright suit, which has included a claim for ₹1 crore in damages over the earlier use of the content.
The dispute has stemmed from a civil suit filed by Sun TV Network against Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited and its executives, alleging unauthorised use of copyrighted material in promotional content that was published on social media on March 1.
Sun TV has contended that the use of film music in the video enhanced the promotional value of the campaign and has sought damages, along with disclosure of any revenues generated through the promotion.
Counsel for Sun TV has raised concerns about preventing similar instances in the future, while CSK has reiterated that it will not use such content without proper licensing going forward.
The court has directed Sun TV to respond on whether the main suit should continue in light of the undertaking. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on April 6.
