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Reliance-Disney unit files mediation action against Zee over unauthorised film broadcasts
JioStar, the Reliance-Disney joint venture, has initiated mediation proceedings against Zee Entertainment over alleged unauthorised broadcasts of Bollywood films. Zee had earlier sued JioStar in April for unauthorised use of its music, and the dispute follows a 2024 London arbitration over a collapsed cricket licensing deal. The timeline includes prior notices, film rights disputes, and scheduled mediation steps.
Why It Matters
The case highlights ongoing legal battles among major Indian media players and could influence broadcast rights, licensing disputes, and mediation pathways in India's large media market.
Timeline
5 Events
Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee sets appearance date for Zee (May 25, 2026)
May 25, 2026
The committee has asked Zee to appear before it on May 25; a failure to do so will be considered a refusal to participate in mediation.
JioStar files case with Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee seeking mediation (May 4, 2026)
May 4, 2026
JioStar filed a case with the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee seeking mediation over Zee's alleged unauthorised broadcast of some Bollywood movies last year, asserting the rights at the time vested with the Reliance-led entity; the filing notes potential damages and cites that Zee broadcast 12 distinct films around 20 times, including Deewaar, Tridev and Dangal. Two sources said JioStar is likely to seek upwards of 250 million rupees.
Zee sues JioStar over unauthorised use of its music (April 2026)
April 2026
In April 2026 Zee filed a lawsuit in a Delhi court alleging unauthorised use of its copyrighted music by JioStar; Zee is seeking about $3 million for alleged use at least 50 times after certain licensing agreements expired.
Bollywood film case reaches Delhi court committee stage (February 2025)
February 2025
The Bollywood film case reached the court committee stage after the two sides exchanged more than a dozen legal notices and letters starting February 2025.
London arbitration over collapsed cricket licensing deal (2024)
2024
JioStar and Zee Entertainment are already locked in a $1 billion arbitration in London over a collapsed cricket licensing deal in 2024.