Delhi High Court ruling on India Today e-magazines: The Delhi High Court has issued an injunction in favor of the India Today Group, restricting unauthorized distribution of its e-magazines on Telegram.
Justice Amit Bansal ruled that as the rightful owners and license holders of the original literary and artistic content, the India Today Group has the legal right to protection against copyright and trademark infringement.
India Today Group Secures Injunction Against Copyright Infringement on Telegram
Living Media India Limited, the publisher of India Today, Business Today, and Auto Today, along with TV Today Network Limited, part of the India Today Group, filed a lawsuit seeking a permanent injunction against entities violating its intellectual property rights.
The group alleged that several Telegram channels were illegally distributing its e-magazines and falsely presenting themselves as official sources. It further argued that Telegram enables such infringement by allowing third-party users to create ‘bots’ that facilitate unauthorised sharing of copyrighted content.
India Today Group Highlights Financial Impact of Infringement
It emphasises its widespread commercial presence in both print and digital media, engaging in various business activities, including the publishing of magazines, journals, and periodicals. It also pointed out its ownership of multiple registered trademarks, including India Today, Business Today, and Aaj Tak.
It highlighted that these operate on a subscription-based model, which constitutes a major revenue source. Additionally, the group stated that it had invested significantly in promoting its magazines and news channels.
The media group further claimed that the defendants’ unauthorized distribution of its e-magazines had led to a decline in paid readership and subscriptions, causing financial losses. It also argued that these illegal activities were weakening its proprietary rights.
Telegram Responds to Court Summons
Following the issuance of summons, Telegram filed a written response stating that it had removed the infringing channels and committed to taking further action against any similar violations. The court acknowledged Telegram’s statement and ruled that the platform would be held accountable for ensuring compliance.
Court Grants Permanent Injunction Against Unauthorised Use
The court observed that the infringing Telegram channels failed to submit any written statements in response to the case. As a result, it proceeded with a summary judgment under Order 8 Rule 10 of the CPC.
Acknowledging the India Today Group’s established rights over its copyrighted magazines and registered trademarks, the court found that the defendants had misused the group’s trademarks as their channel display pictures, falsely suggesting an association with India Today.
Concluding that copyright and trademark infringement had been proven, the court issued a permanent injunction, barring the defendants from further distributing the group’s copyrighted content or misusing its trademarks.
If unauthorised use of your copyrighted content is impacting your business, Vakilsearch can help you take legal action to protect your rights. The Delhi High Court’s ruling in favor of the India Today Group underscores the importance of copyright and trademark enforcement. Secure your intellectual property and prevent financial losses with the right legal approach.
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