Zee Entertainment has initiated legal proceedings against the Reliance-Disney joint venture over alleged copyright infringement involving music content owned by Zee’s music division.
The dispute relates to the alleged use of songs and music works on streaming and television platforms after licensing agreements reportedly expired.
The case adds to ongoing legal and commercial disagreements between the two media groups amid increasing competition in India’s entertainment and digital streaming sector, as per Reuters report.
According to court filings submitted in New Delhi, Zee Entertainment has accused the Reliance-Disney venture of continuing to use copyrighted music content after licensing agreements expired in 2024 and 2025.
The company has alleged that the music was used across streaming services and television channels operated by the joint venture despite the agreements not being renewed. Zee is seeking damages of nearly $3 million in connection with the alleged infringement.
The lawsuit claims that negotiations for renewal of licensing arrangements did not result in fresh agreements due to differences over commercial terms. Zee has alleged that its music catalogue continued to be used on multiple occasions after the expiry of the contracts.
According to the legal filings, the disputed content was allegedly used at least 50 times across platforms linked to the Reliance-Disney entity.
The matter was briefly heard by the court earlier this week. During the hearing, the judge reportedly directed the Reliance-Disney venture, operating under the JioStar brand, to ensure there is no continuing infringement while the case remains under consideration.
The court is understood to have asked the company to comply with the direction within 15 days. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for July 23.
The copyright dispute is the latest in a series of legal disagreements involving Zee and Reliance-linked entities. The companies are also involved in arbitration proceedings in London connected to a cricket broadcasting rights agreement that was terminated in 2024.
In that matter, Reliance is reportedly seeking damages of around $1 billion from Zee. Zee has denied the allegations and is contesting the claims.
The legal developments come at a time when India’s media and streaming industry is witnessing consolidation and heightened competition over premium content rights. The Reliance-Disney merger, completed in 2024, combined major entertainment and sports broadcasting assets under a single entity.
As competition for digital audiences and exclusive content intensifies, disputes related to licensing agreements, intellectual property rights, and distribution arrangements have become increasingly significant within the sector.
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Zee Entertainment’s lawsuit against the Reliance-Disney joint venture highlights ongoing disagreements over content licensing and copyright usage in India’s entertainment industry. With court proceedings now underway and additional arbitration matters continuing separately, the dispute reflects the broader commercial and legal complexities emerging in the country’s evolving media landscape.
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Published on: May 7, 2026, 12:07 PM IST
Neha Dubey
Neha Dubey is a Content Analyst with 3 years of experience in financial journalism, having written for a leading newswire agency and multiple newspapers. At Angel One, she creates daily content on finance and the economy. Neha holds a degree in Economics and a Master’s in Journalism.
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