Delhi High Court Grants Injunction Against Rogue Websites From Streaming FIFA Club World Cup 2025
The Delhi High Court, in a copyright infringement matter, granted ‘Dynamic+’ Injunction against rogue websites from streaming the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, with immediate blocking of the domain names of the websites.
The Plaintiffs, a company based in England, sought permanent injunction against the rogue websites from infringing exclusive rights of the Plaintiffs, as they have acquired certain exclusive media rights for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 along with the broadcasting rights worldwide including within India.
The Bench of Justice Saurabh Banerjee observed, “In light of the above, under the present scenario, especially, since the plaintiffs are legally rightful owners of the intellectual property rights therein, i.e. both qua its original works as well as the licensed works for exclusive broadcasting, the plaintiff is well and truly entitled to seek and obtain protection. More so, since the infringing acts of the defendant nos.1 to 23 are without obtaining any kind of permission/ authorization/ right/title/ interest from the plaintiffs.”
Advocate Siddharth Chopra represented the Plaintiffs.
Brief Facts
The Plaintiffs, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, are engaged in the business of providing a global sports streaming and entertainment platform, and they also offer live and on-demand/ over-the-top (OTT) sports broadcasting in over 200 countries.
The Plaintiffs contended that they have acquired exclusive media rights for streaming FIFA Club World Cup 2025 worldwide, through television rights, digital rights to be exercised via two digital delivery systems including through internet and mobile technology, along with certain ancillary rights i.e. sub-licensing in respect of the event taking place from 14 June, 2025 to 13 July, 2025 in the United States of America.
The Plaintiffs also contended that as per Section 37 of the Copyright Act, 1957, the Plaintiffs have the Exclusive Right to broadcast, re-broadcast, retransmit, stream, and make available for viewing and/ or communicate to the public.
Court’s Reasoning
The Delhi High Court opined that the present case is the classic case of copyright infringement by masked players, who used the veil of today’s technology to conveniently conceal their true identities and unabashedly abuse and enrich themselves by using the protected works of parties like the Plaintiffs.
The Court emphasised that if such cases are not stopped at the earliest then undoubtedly the legitimate rights of parties like the Plaintiffs herein would be put in serious jeopardy.
The Delhi High Court observed, “Therefore, the plaintiff has been able to make out a prima facie case in its favour and against the defendants and the balance of convenience is also tilting towards the grant of relief in favour of the plaintiff. If an ex parte ad interim injunction in favour of the plaintiff is not granted, the plaintiff will likely suffer irreparable loss and injury.”
Accordingly, the Delhi High Court granted the injunction, as otherwise irreparable loss and injury to the Plaintiffs and cause violation of the intellectual property rights of the Plaintiffs.
Cause Title: Dazn Limited & Anr. V. Buffsports. Me & Ors
Appearance:
Petitioner: Advocates Siddharth Chopra, Yatinder Garg, Akshay Maloo, Ishi Singh
