The Delhi High Court has issued a dynamic+ injunction to protect the copyrighted works of several global entertainment companies, including Universal City Studios. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora has restrained 106 rogue websites from hosting or streaming any cinematograph work or content in relation to which the entertainment companies hold copyright or exclusive distribution rights. The Court has also directed domain name registrars (DNRs) to lock or suspend the identified websites and ordered internet service providers to block public access to them.
As per media reports, the ad interim order has been passed in response to a suit filed by the entertainment companies against the rogue websites for allegedly hosting and streaming copyrighted content without authorization. The Court has further directed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to issue notifications to internet and telecom service providers, instructing them to block access to the infringing websites and their mirror or redirect versions.
Justice Arora has noted that the dynamic+ injunction has been granted to address the “hydra-headed” nature of online copyright infringement and to ensure timely protection of copyrighted works as soon as they are created. The Court has observed that such proactive measures are necessary to prevent irreparable loss to content owners, given the recurring and adaptive nature of piracy.
The order also clarifies that if any website blocked under the injunction is not primarily an infringing platform, it may approach the Court by filing an affidavit affirming that it does not intend to engage in unauthorized dissemination of copyrighted films, shows, or other protected content. In such cases, the Court may consider modifying the injunction based on the circumstances.
