Vakil Help Desk News: the Delhi High Court has granted a dynamic injunction to a film's producer, ordering piracy websites blocked and allowing newly discovered sites to be blocked in real time, before the movie's theatrical release.
Vakil Help Desk News, IPR. A film's producer can obtain a 'dynamic' injunction that blocks piracy sites and extends to new ones that appear later, even before the film is released. The Delhi High Court granted such relief in a copyright suit decided by Justice Vikas Mahajan.
The dispute
The producer sued several websites and internet intermediaries to stop the unauthorised streaming and downloading of an upcoming Hindi film due for theatrical release. It argued that its earlier films had been pirated within hours of release, so infringing copies of this film were likely too.
What the Court held
- There was a prima facie case and the balance of convenience favoured the producer; delay before release would cause irreparable loss.
- The named piracy websites were restrained from hosting or streaming the film.
- ISPs were to be directed to block the sites within 36 hours, and domain registrars to lock and suspend the domains.
- The producer may report newly discovered piracy sites for real-time blocking — a 'dynamic' injunction — on filing affidavits.
Why it matters
Dynamic (or 'John Doe') injunctions are a powerful tool against online piracy, which multiplies across new domains. They let a rights-holder act fast, including against sites that do not yet exist at the time of the order.
What this means for you
If you produce films, music, software or other content, a dynamic injunction lets you block piracy sites quickly — including new ones that spring up — especially around a release. Prepare the paperwork (ownership, release schedule, evidence of past piracy) in advance so relief can be obtained in time. We file and enforce such injunctions and coordinate with ISPs and registrars.