What’s Next? Reliance Weighs Legal Action After Losing Out on JioHotstar Domain - Read Now

A digital drama around the JioHotstar.com domain has landed Reliance Industries at the center of the storm, as it is likely to be dragged into a potential cybersquatting case initiated by a Delhi-based app developer, now joined by two young Dubai siblings. It all began when the developer offered to give away the domain in lieu of tuition funding from Reliance. When the company declined the proposal, the domain landed up in Dubai, where two young siblings have lodged the complaint against Reliance.

Developer's Pitch to Reliance and Background

The story starts with a Delhi-based developer purchasing JioHotstar.com in 2023. In an open letter to the Reliance executives, he claims that, anticipating a possible merger of Disney+ Hotstar with Reliance's Jio following reports of the former's declining user base, he bought the domain for rebranding, which would fund his education as he was looking forward to selling it to Reliance. The developer hoped that the company would pay for his tuition fees for an EMBA program amounting to £93,345 in exchange for JioHotstar.com.

Reliance Rejects Offer and Considers Legal Action

Reliance Industries has, however, rejected the offer of the developer and is now considering legal steps. According to reports, Ambujesh Yadav, AVP of Commercials at Reliance, communicated the decision, and the action may lead to legal steps. The developer posted on his social media that the brand is not a trademark and he further added that "the brand JioHotstar never existed at the time of purchase." It has been highlighted that even now, there is no trademark of "JioHotstar," which under the present laws of India would make this an infringement.

Cybersquatting: Is It Legal or Infringement?

This is the JioHotstar case, pointing out critical questions in this area of cybersquatting, which is a term given to the action of purchasing domains related to trademarks with the intent of reselling them for a gain. India does not have special cybersquatting laws and although it does have some provision for protection via the provisions of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the precedent of the Yahoo Inc. v. Akash Arora states how the court ruled it in favor of Yahoo and declared the judgment for the "YahooIndia" domain name, without their authorization. Reliance may rely on similar precedents to legally challenge ownership of JioHotstar.com.

JioHotstar Domain Moves to Dubai Siblings

The latest turn came over the weekend as it passed ownership to two siblings who live in Dubai, Jainam and Jivika Jain, 13 and 10 years old. The siblings welcome visitors to their website, JioHotstar.com, by presenting them as young changemakers in the service of helping underprivileged children. There, they share experiences about India and a mission to spread kindness- a far cry from the direction that has initially related it with Reliance.

Next Decision for Reliance: Litigation or Reevaluation?

Reliance Industries has a few tough decisions to take on its plate. Whether the case of JioHotstar domain is associated with yet another charity cause in Dubai will determine the manner in which a public reaction is viewed coupled with a legal strategy on the same. The debate over the domain is only going to increase, and an action that Reliance is taking over this matter could set the trend for many subsequent cases under India's vast cybersquatting profile.

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