Star India Pvt. Ltd. v. Moviestrunk.com & Ors. [CS(COMM) 408/2019]
Case Brief: Star India Pvt. Ltd. v. Moviestrunk.com & Ors. [CS(COMM) 408/2019]
1. Parties Involved
Plaintiff: Star India Pvt. Ltd.
A major Indian media and entertainment company, owner of valuable copyright and broadcast rights to TV shows, films, and sports events.
Defendants: Moviestrunk.com & Ors.
Operators of an online platform allegedly streaming or providing access to copyrighted content owned by the plaintiff without authorization.
2. Facts of the Case
Star India claimed that the defendants were streaming and distributing its copyrighted content—including movies, TV serials, and sports broadcasts—on the website Moviestrunk.com without obtaining any license or permission.
The plaintiff alleged that the defendants’ actions amounted to copyright infringement and unauthorized public communication.
Star India sought a permanent injunction restraining the defendants from hosting, streaming, or distributing their content.
The plaintiff also sought the blocking of the website Moviestrunk.com and its related domains/URLs.
3. Issues Before the Court
Whether the defendants’ activities amounted to copyright infringement and unauthorized public performance?
Whether the plaintiff was entitled to a permanent injunction restraining the defendants?
Whether the Court should order the blocking of the website and related URLs used by the defendants?
4. Contentions
➤ Plaintiff (Star India):
Owned exclusive rights to broadcast and communicate their content.
Defendants were streaming copyrighted content without consent, causing financial loss and harm to reputation.
Requested urgent relief including injunctions and blocking orders to prevent further infringement.
➤ Defendants (Moviestrunk.com):
Denied unauthorized streaming or ownership of the platform.
Argued no direct involvement or claimed they were mere intermediaries.
Contended that injunction or blocking orders would violate their rights and be excessive.
5. Judicial Reasoning
The Court recognized that streaming copyrighted content without permission amounts to infringement of the exclusive rights of the copyright holder.
It applied principles established in precedent cases relating to intermediary liability and copyright infringement online.
The Court noted that platforms like Moviestrunk.com, which actively facilitate access to infringing content, cannot claim immunity.
Permanent injunction was justified due to the clear evidence of infringement and the necessity to protect the plaintiff’s rights.
Blocking of the website and associated URLs was considered necessary to prevent circumvention of injunction orders.
The Court balanced interests but emphasized the protection of copyright owners in the digital space.
6. Relevant Case Law Principles Applied
1. Super Cassettes Industries Ltd. v. Entertainment Network (India) Ltd.
Established that unauthorized public communication of copyrighted work infringes rights.
Emphasized that internet intermediaries may be liable if they knowingly allow infringement.
2. MySpace Inc. v. Super Cassettes Industries Ltd.
Highlighted that platforms hosting user-generated content must take prompt action once infringement is brought to notice.
Underlined the need for injunctive relief against infringers online.
3. Star India Pvt. Ltd. v. Leo Communications Pvt. Ltd.
Similar facts where Star India successfully secured injunctions against unauthorized streaming.
Affirmed the right to block websites streaming pirated content.
7. Decision
The Court granted permanent injunction restraining the defendants from streaming, hosting, or distributing Star India’s content.
Ordered blocking of the website Moviestrunk.com and all related URLs to prevent further infringement.
Directed defendants to cease all infringing activities immediately.
8. Significance of the Case
Reaffirmed strict judicial approach against piracy and unauthorized streaming in cyberspace.
Emphasized the protection of copyright holders’ rights in the digital era.
Highlighted the Court’s willingness to grant blocking orders as an effective remedy against online copyright infringement.
Clarified the liability of online platforms actively involved in infringement and the limits of intermediary protections.
9. Conclusion
Star India Pvt. Ltd. v. Moviestrunk.com & Ors. is a key decision protecting copyright in the digital domain, especially against websites streaming pirated content.
The judgment reflects the courts’ commitment to safeguarding IP rights in cyberspace through effective remedies like injunctions and website blocking.
It underscores that online platforms facilitating infringement cannot evade liability under the guise of being intermediaries.
RELATED Blog
0 comments