Asia News International (ANI) has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging copyright and trademark infringement concerning the series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.” The case, brought before the Delhi High Court, claims that Netflix used ANI’s exclusive news footage without proper authorization. This footage includes significant moments featuring then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and General Parvez Musharraf, which are pivotal to the narrative of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814.
Key Points of the Case
- Allegations by ANI: ANI asserts that Netflix incorporated its proprietary footage into four episodes of the series without obtaining the necessary licenses. The agency contends that this unauthorized use infringes on its copyright and constitutes trademark infringement due to the visibility of the ANI logo in the footage.
- Netflix’s Defense: In response to the allegations, Netflix claims that it had an agreement with British news agency Reuters, which is a shareholder in ANI, for the use of the footage in question. Netflix argues that it believed it was compliant with copyright laws based on this arrangement and had no reason to question the legitimacy of the footage’s acquisition.
- Court Proceedings: Justice Mini Pushkarna has issued notices to Netflix and the producers of “IC 814” requiring them to respond to ANI’s claims within two days. The court will review ANI’s request for interim relief, which includes taking down the disputed episodes and blurring the ANI logo throughout the series.
- Broader Implications: This lawsuit highlights significant issues surrounding copyright law and the rights of news agencies in India. The outcome could set important precedents regarding how archival footage is utilized in media productions and may influence future collaborations between news agencies and streaming platforms.
The resolution of this legal dispute could have far-reaching effects on both ANI’s operations and Netflix’s content creation strategies in India.