Court directs ISPs and platforms to act swiftly on takedown notices, designating nodal officers for real-time compliance in landmark copyright infringement case
In a significant judgment delivered on November 6, 2026, the Bombay High Court has mandated stringent interim measures to combat online piracy and protect intellectual property rights in the digital age. The court, presided over by Justice Ashish S. Chavan, granted urgent ad-interim relief to Godpower Media Private Limited in its copyright infringement suit against multiple anonymous defendants ("John Doe(s)"), including Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and online platforms.
The case arose soon after the theatrical release of a highly anticipated film by the plaintiff on November 5, 2026. The plaintiff alleged rampant online piracy and unauthorized dissemination of the film's content across various platforms, which could severely undermine its commercial interests.
Previously, on November 2, 2026, the court had passed an exhaustive order granting interim relief, directing the defendants to take immediate action against infringing content. However, the plaintiff moved the court again to seek additional directions to ensure that takedown and blocking notices are complied with promptly, given the rapid spread of pirated content post-release.
The court acknowledged the plaintiff's concerns, emphasizing that even a delay of a few hours in removing infringing content can lead to widespread dissemination, which is nearly impossible to control subsequently. Recognizing the criticality of the initial hours after content release, the court imposed a strict timeline for compliance.
Key directions issued by the court include:
1. Defendants numbered 2 to 33, including ISPs and platform operators, must act upon each takedown or blocking notice issued by the plaintiff or its authorized representatives within three hours of receipt, failing which it would cause irreparable harm to the plaintiff's rights.
2. The defendants are required to provide written confirmation that they have systems and personnel in place to ensure real-time compliance with these orders.
3. Each defendant must designate a nodal officer, providing their name, email address, and telephone number, to ensure immediate and continuous availability for enforcement action, including outside regular business hours.
The court's order underscores the necessity of proactive and real-time measures in the fight against online piracy, where infringing content can multiply exponentially in a matter of minutes. While Vodafone India Limited (Defendant No.7) was noted for its satisfactory compliance, other defendants were urged to follow suit without delay.
The interim relief granted is subject to further orders by the Regular Bench, with the matter listed for hearing on December 16, 2026. Meanwhile, the court's directions remain in force, reinforcing the judiciary's resolve to uphold copyright protections in the fast-evolving digital landscape.
This judgment marks a crucial step in balancing the interests of content creators and online intermediaries, setting a precedent for swift judicial intervention to curb piracy and protect creative works from online infringement.
Bottom Line:
Copyright infringement - Ad-interim relief granted to protect the plaintiff's rights against online piracy and content infringement within a time-sensitive framework.
Statutory provision(s): Copyright Act, 1957
Godpower Media Private Limited v. John Doe(s), (Bombay) : Law Finder Doc Id # 3017461
