Delhi High Court Grants Summary Judgment to TV9 in Groundless Copyright Threats Dispute: CS(COMM) 9/2024

Summary

In a notable decision concerning copyright claims in news broadcasting, the Delhi High Court granted summary judgment in favour of Associated Broadcasting Company Limited, the company operating the TV9 Network. The Court held that the defendants had issued groundless threats of copyright infringement against the broadcaster regarding the use of certain video footage in its news programs.

The judgment clarifies the extent to which news broadcasters may rely on publicly available footage for reporting purposes without facing unjustified copyright threats.

Facts of the Case

Associated Broadcasting Company Limited operates multiple television channels and digital platforms under the TV9 brand, including several regional news websites and YouTube channels. As part of its news reporting activities, the broadcaster produces programs covering global events such as natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, and other current affairs.

In preparing such news content, the plaintiff used a combination of its own material and publicly available footage depicting real-time events. The defendants alleged that the use of certain footage infringed their copyright and issued threats of legal action.

Consequently, the plaintiff filed a suit seeking a declaration that its acts did not amount to copyright infringement and an injunction restraining the defendants from issuing groundless threats.

Findings of the Case

The Court observed that the defendants had failed to file a written statement or respond to the plaintiff’s pleadings despite multiple opportunities. In view of this failure, the Court proceeded to consider the plaintiff’s application for summary judgment under the commercial courts’ framework.

The Court held that in the absence of any defence from the defendants, there was no real prospect of them successfully contesting the claim. The allegations of copyright infringement were unsupported, and the threats issued against the plaintiff were therefore unjustified.

Decision of the Case

The Court allowed the plaintiff’s application for summary judgment and granted a declaration that the threats of copyright infringement were groundless. The defendants were restrained from issuing such threats in relation to the plaintiff’s use of the concerned content.

Conclusion

The decision reinforces protection available to media organizations against unsubstantiated copyright enforcement actions. It also highlights the role of courts in preventing the misuse of copyright claims that may otherwise hinder legitimate news reporting and dissemination of information.