Copyright dispute over web-series: Writer takes broadcaster to court

Writer CL Saini has filed a copyright and confidentiality infringement lawsuit against Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd and Zee Studio for a web series called ‘Bal Shiv-Mahadev ki Andheki Gatha, ‘the broadcast network plans to launch on August 31.

Saini, who claims to be known for his writing in the mythological genre, has filed the lawsuit through his lawyer Tushar Gujjar and is seeking interim orders to prevent Zee Network from infringing on his confidentiality and copyright in his work ‘Baal Shiv’.

His argument is that in 2018 he conceptualized the idea of ​​’Baal Shiv’ and contemplated making a television series about him. He embodied the idea and “communicated it to the (network) under his express confidence” as a “unique selling prospect, as it is not contemplated at all in Indian mythology.” His lawsuit alleges that not only was his idea “looted” but Zee also brought his “detailed script / story narrated” by him to his representatives.

On Thursday, Judge Gautam Patel began hearing the matter in which Saini was represented by a battery of lawyers, including lead lawyers Venkatesh Dhond, Biren Saraf and Rashmin Khandekar and the Zee network by lead lawyers Virag Tulzapurkar and Hiren Kamod. The HC asked Zee to consider whether they wanted to briefly postpone the publication date and the matter was kept on the sidelines. The lead attorney came back and said, “No statement can be made.” So the hearing started on merits, but since it was near the end of the court day, the hearing will continue on Friday. Struggler King