Delhi High Court - Orders
Dazn Limited & Anr vs Boxingstreamlinks.Org & Ors on 29 May, 2025
Author: Amit Bansal
Bench: Amit Bansal
$~21
* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
+ CS(COMM) 563/2025, I.A. 14066/2025, I.A. 14067/2025, I.A.
14068/2025 & I.A. 14069/2025
DAZN LIMITED & ANR. .....Plaintiffs
Through: Mr. Sidharth Chopra, Mr. Yatinder
Garg, Mr. Akshay Maloo and Mr.
Priyansh Kohli, Advocates.
versus
BOXINGSTREAMLINKS.ORG & ORS. .....Defendants
Through: None.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE AMIT BANSAL
ORDER
% 29.05.2025
I.A. 14067/2025 (u/S 80 of CPC)
1. In view of the urgent relief sought, leave is granted to the plaintiffs to file the suit without serving the notice under Section 80 of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 ('CPC').
I.A. 14068/2025 (u/O XI Rule 1 (4) of CPC)
2. The present application has been filed on behalf of the plaintiffs seeking leave to file additional documents under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015.
3. The plaintiffs are permitted to file additional documents in accordance with the provisions of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 and the Delhi High Court (Original Side) Rules, 2018.
4. Accordingly, the application is disposed of.
CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 1 of 13This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05 I.A. 14069/2025 (u/S 12-A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015)
5. As the present suit contemplates urgent interim relief, in light of the judgment of the Supreme Court in Yamini Manohar v. T.K.D. Krithi, 2023 SCC Online SC 1382, exemption from the requirement of pre-institution mediation is granted.
6. The application stands disposed of.
CS(COMM) 563/2025
7. Let the plaint be registered as a suit.
8. Issue summons.
9. Summons be issued to the defendants through all modes. The summons shall state that the written statement(s) shall be filed by the defendants within thirty days from the date of the receipt of summons. Along with the written statement(s), the defendants shall also file affidavit of admission/denial of the documents of the plaintiffs, without which the written statement(s) shall not be taken on record.
10. Liberty is given to the plaintiffs to file replication(s), if any, within thirty days from the receipt of the written statement(s). Along with the replication(s) filed by the plaintiffs, affidavit of admission/denial of the documents of the defendants be filed by the plaintiffs.
11. The parties shall file all original documents in support of their respective claims along with their respective pleadings. In case parties are placing reliance on a document, which is not in their power and possession, its detail and source shall be mentioned in the list of reliance, which shall also be filed with the pleadings.
12. If any of the parties wish to seek inspection of any documents, the same shall be sought and given within the timelines.
CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 2 of 13This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05
13. List before the Joint Registrar on 12th August, 2025 for completion of service and pleadings.
14. List before the Court 28th October, 2025.
I.A. 14066/2025 (u/O-XXXIX Rule 1 & 2 of CPC, 1908)
15. The present suit has been filed seeking permanent injunction restraining the defendant nos.1 to 30 from infringing the plaintiffs' exclusive broadcasting and reproduction rights, along with other ancillary reliefs.
16. The subject matter of the present suit pertains to the upcoming boxing matches - Jake Paul v Chavez Jr. and all featured undercard bouts taking place in California, U.S.A., which will include the following fights:
a. Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr.; For Cruiserweight. b. Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez vs. Yuniel Dorticós; For Cruiserweight World Title Unification.
c. Holly Holm vs. Yolanda Vega; For Women's Boxing: Super Welterweight.
d. Floyd Schofield Jr. vs. Lucas Bahdi; For Lightweight Bout.
17. The Event is scheduled on 28th June, 2025. The live DAZN broadcast will begin at 5:00 PM PT; 8:00 AM ET and the main event ring walks begins approximately at 8:00 PM PT/11:00 PM ET. The Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. includes 4 bouts.
18. It is stated in the plaint that the plaintiff no.1 owns and operates the online streaming platform/website 'https://dazngroup.com/' and https://www.dazn.com/en-IN/home (hereinafter, "DAZN") and mobile application. DAZN enables its viewers to watch sporting content including live streaming of sporting events etc. The plaintiffs broadcast various sporting events on its platform and has also been dubbed as the "Netflix of CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 3 of 13 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05 Sports" due to its wide popularity and the host of sporting events that it broadcasts after attaining rights from organisers. Plaintiff no. 2 is the Indian subsidiary of the plaintiff no. 1, overseeing operations in India as well as technological developments.
19. The plaint avers that the plaintiffs have acquired certain exclusive media rights inter alia for India territory which includes television rights (to be exercised via broadcast delivery systems), digital rights (to be exercised via digital delivery systems including through internet and mobile technology), and certain ancillary rights in respect of the Event "Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr." and all featured undercard bouts taking place on or around 28th June, 2025 in California, U.S.A., from Most Valuable Promotions-LLC (MVP), which is the owner of the exclusive rights in the above-mentioned event. In exercise of the Exclusive Rights granted vide the Rights Confirmation Letter dated 19th May, 2025, the plaintiffs have the exclusive rights to exploit such rights via their Indian subsidiary - plaintiff no. 2. A copy of the said Rights Confirmation Letter has been placed on record by the plaintiffs as document no. 5 filed along with the plaint. Consequently, the plaintiffs enjoy broadcast reproduction rights which are contemplated and conferred in terms of Section 37 of the Copyright Act, 1957 [hereinafter 'Copyright Act'].
20. It is stated that the plaintiffs have paid a significant consideration for the acquisition of the media rights in the Event and are also expecting to earn substantial revenue from the broadcast and live streaming of the Event on its digital platform. Earning such revenue is the only way the plaintiffs can recoup the huge investment made in acquisition of the media rights.
CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 4 of 13This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05
21. It came to the knowledge of the plaintiffs that certain rogue websites are infringing the plaintiffs' rights and the rights of various third-party owners. The said rogue websites/domain names have been impleaded in the present suit as defendant nos. 1 to 30.
22. Defendant nos. 31 to 34 are Domain Name Registrars (DNRs) of the domain names, where the said rogue websites are being hosted.
23. Defendant nos. 35 to 43 are various Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
24. Defendant nos. 44 and 45 are, respectively, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
25. It is contended that based on past instances of illegal dissemination of major sporting events, such as the recently concluded 'Chris Eubank vs. Conor Benn Fight Card' which was scheduled on 26th April, 2025, the plaintiffs strongly apprehend that once the boxing matches - 'Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr.' commence, given their status as one of the most popular boxing event in the world, a large number of websites, including, but not limited to defendant nos.1 to 30, are likely to indulge in unauthorized disseminations and communications of the said matches and parts thereof, on online platforms.
26. Additionally, the plaintiffs believe that a large number of rogue websites, upon being blocked/ taken down, may also create further mirror websites to continue the illegal transmission/ communication/ broadcast of the Event.
27. Mr Sidharth Chopra, counsel appearing on behalf of the plaintiffs submits that on previous occasions, while an initial injunction has typically CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 5 of 13 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05 been granted in respect of the few websites identified in the plaint, a substantial number of rogue websites tend to be subsequently uncovered, which continue to unlawfully disseminate the sporting events. Accordingly, such rogue websites have been injuncted and taken down by virtue of the 'dynamic injunction' granted by this Court, details of which are given at pages 962 to 1543 of the documents filed by the plaintiffs along with the plaint.
28. Mr Chopra therefore submits that there is an urgent need to restrain such rogue websites on a real time basis, without requiring parties to first approach the Court, by filing affidavits in respect of each such website(s) which start unauthorizedly disseminating/ telecasting matches. Accordingly, the plaintiffs seek a 'dynamic +' injunction to ensure protection of the plaintiffs' rights over works mentioned in the plaint, as well as any other protected content generated during the pendency of the suit proceedings. [See: Universal City Studios LLC v. Dotmovies.baby, 2023:DHC:5842].
29. Attention of this Court has been drawn to a list of cases, wherein, similar issue was involved and orders have been passed by this Court granting dynamic injunction, detailed at paragraph 13 of the present application.
30. I have heard the counsel for the parties and perused the material on record.
31. Having considered the submissions and prayers outlined in the present application, the Court recognizes the widespread appeal and significance of the Event, particularly, given the popularity of boxing in India. These events are broadcasted through the plaintiffs' website and mobile application i.e. DAZN, which is accessible across a variety of digital devices including CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 6 of 13 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05 computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic gadgets. The plaintiffs have secured the digital and television broadcasting rights for various events, including, the Event as specified in the rights confirmation letter, through substantial financial investment.
32. The unauthorized dissemination, telecasting, or broadcasting of the Event on various websites and digital platforms, pose a significant threat to the plaintiffs' revenue streams. Such illicit activities undermine the value of the considerable investment made by the plaintiffs in acquiring these rights. Additionally, the broadcast content, including footage, commentary, and other composite elements, is fully safeguarded under the Copyright Act.
33. Thus, the unauthorized use of these elements not only affects the financial returns, but also infringes upon the copyright protections accorded to the broadcast content. It is, thus, imperative to recognize the legal rights associated with the creation and dissemination of this content, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to prevent unauthorized broadcasts and safeguard the plaintiffs' interests.
34. The issue of rogue websites engaging in the piracy of copyrighted content presents a recurring threat, especially, with the imminent Event. These sites have demonstrated a propensity to illegally broadcast copyrighted works, underscoring the urgency to pre-emptively block their access to such content. Consequently, there's a critical need for judicial intervention to prohibit these rogue websites from disseminating or communicating any portions of the Events, without proper authorization or licensing from the plaintiffs.
35. The dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the digital landscape necessitates that court orders are not static but evolve in tandem with the CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 7 of 13 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05 technological advancements and challenges posed by the virtual domain. The legal remedies must remain robust and effective in curtailing copyright infringement, particularly, in the fast-paced environment of the internet. In Universal City Studios (supra), this Court has elucidated on this issue, relevant portion whereof, is extracted as under:
"17. Any injunction granted by a Court of law ought to be effective in nature. The injunction ought to also not merely extend to content which is past content created prior to the filing of the suit but also to content which may be generated on a day-to-day basis by the Plaintiffs. In a usual case for copyright infringement, the Court firstly identifies the work, determines the Copyright of the Plaintiff in the said work, and thereafter grants an injunction. However, owing to the nature of the illegalities that rogue websites indulge in, there is a need to pass injunctions which are also dynamic qua the Plaintiffs as well, as it is seen that upon any film or series being released, they may be immediately uploaded on the rogue websites, causing severe and instant monetary loss. Copyright in future works comes into existence immediately upon the work being created, and Plaintiffs may not be able to approach the Court for each and every film or series that is produced in the future, to secure an injunction against piracy.
19. As innovation in technology continues, remedies to be granted also ought to be calibrated by Courts. This is not to say that in every case, an injunction qua future works can be granted. Such grant of an injunction would depend on the fact situation that arises and is placed before the Court.
20. In the facts and circumstances as set out above, an ex parte ad interim injunction is granted restraining the Defendants, who are all rogue websites, from in any manner streaming, reproducing, distributing, making available to the public and/or communicating to the public any copyrighted content of the Plaintiffs including future works of the Plaintiffs, in which ownership of copyright is undisputed, through their websites identified in the suit or any mirror/redirect websites or alphanumeric variations thereof including those websites which are associated with the Defendants' websites either based on the name, branding, identity or even source of content. To keep pace with the dynamic nature of the infringement that is undertaken by hydra-headed websites, this Court has deemed it appropriate to issue this 'Dynamic+ injunction' to protect copyrighted works as soon as they are created, to ensure that no irreparable loss is caused to the authors and owners of copyrighted works, as there is an imminent possibility of works being uploaded on rogue websites or their newer CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 8 of 13 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05 versions immediately upon the films/shows/series etc. The Plaintiffs are permitted to implead any mirror/redirect/alpha numberic variations of the websites identified in the suit as Defendants Nos.1 to 16 including those websites which are associated with the Defendants Nos.1 to 16, either based on the name, branding, identity or even source of content, by filing an application for impleadment under Order I Rule 10 CPC in the event such websites merely provide new means of accessing the same primary infringing websites that have been injuncted. The Plaintiffs are at liberty to also file an appropriate application seeking protection qua their copyrighted works, including future works, if the need so arises. Upon filing such applications before the Registrar along with an affidavit with sufficient supporting evidence seeking extension of the injunction to such websites, to protect the content of the Plaintiffs, including future works, the injunction shall become operational against the said websites and qua such works. If there is any work in respect of which there is any dispute as to ownership of copyright, an application may be moved by the affected party before the Court, to seek clarification."
(Emphasis Supplied)
36. In view of the above, given the fact that the plaintiffs' digital rights, as acquired from MVP are in question, the Court is of the view that the plaintiffs have made out a prima facie case for grant of an ex-parte ad- interim injunction.
37. If an ex-parte ad-interim injunction is not granted at this stage, irreparable harm would be caused to the plaintiffs. Balance of convenience also lies in the favour of the plaintiffs. The need for immediate relief is particularly pressing in this case, considering the live broadcast of the Event, which are characterized by their brief duration. The short duration of these matches means that any delay in blocking access to rogue websites, could lead to significant financial losses for the plaintiffs, and an irreparable breach of their broadcast reproduction rights. Therefore, swift action to prevent such infringements is crucial to preserving the plaintiffs' investment in the broadcasting rights and maintaining their copyright protections.
CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 9 of 13This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05
38. None appears on behalf of the defendants despite advance service of the plaint paper book.
39. Issue Notice.
40. Notice be issued to the defendants via all permissible modes, including e-mail.
41. Reply(ies) be filed within four (4) weeks.
42. Rejoinder(s) thereto, if any, be filed within two (2) weeks thereafter.
43. Accordingly, till the next date of hearing the defendant nos.1 to 30, and/or any person acting on their behalf, are restrained from communicating, hosting, streaming, screening, disseminating or making available for viewing/ downloading, without authorization, any part of the Event on any electronic or digital platform, in any manner whatsoever.
44. The defendant nos. 31 to 34, i.e., the Domain Name Registrars, are directed to lock and suspend the following domain names of defendant nos.1 to 30 (detailed below) within 72 hours of being communicated a copy of this order by the plaintiffs. Further, they shall file an affidavit in a sealed cover disclosing the complete details of defendant nos.1 to 30, as available with them, including e-mail addresses, mobile numbers, contact details, payment details and KYC details, within a period of two (2) weeks from date of communication of this order.
Defendant Website DNR Defendant
No. No.
1. boxingstreamlinks.org Namecheap, 31
2. redditboxingstreams.net Inc.
3. soccerlive.ap
CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 10 of 13
This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05
4. streamendous.site
5. bosscast.online 6. buffstreams.app Tucows 32
7. soccerstreams-free.com Domains Inc. 8. sportshub.ai Namecheap, 31 Inc. 9. totalsportek.wales Tucows 32 Domains Inc. 10. the.sportsfeed24.com Namecheap, 31 Inc. 11. totalsportek-live.com Tucows 32 Domains Inc. 12. boxingstreams.live Namecheap, 31
13. championdrive.co Inc. 14. footbite.to TONIC Tonga 33 Network Information Center 15. jokerguide.com Namecheap, 31 Inc. 16. olympicstreams.co Tucows 32 Domains Inc. 17. phd3.live Namecheap, 31 Inc. 18. playoffstream.com Tucows 32 CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 11 of 13 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05 Domains Inc.
19. ringwalk.boxingstreams100.com Namecheap, 31
20. sportrelate.com Inc. 21. sportshub.stream GoDaddy.com. 34 LLC 22. stream.sporttuna.pro Namecheap, 31 Inc. 23. streameast-free.com Tucows 32
24. strimsy.top Domains Inc. 25. tazztv.me Namecheap, 31
26. thestreamhub.net Inc.
27. trendgola.com
28. cracksteams.site
29. methsteams.site
30. bladstreamer.store
45. The defendant nos. 35 to 43, i.e., ISPs/ TSPs, are also directed to block the websites of defendant nos.1 to 30, immediately upon receiving copies of this order from the plaintiffs. Defendant nos. 44 and 45 are directed to issue necessary directions to all ISPs and TSPs for blocking/ removing access to these websites.
46. During the currency of the Event, if any further websites are discovered, which are illegally streaming and communicating content over which the plaintiffs have rights, the plaintiffs are granted liberty to communicate the details of such websites to the defendant nos.44 (DoT) and 45 (MeitY), for issuance of blocking orders, and simultaneously to the ISPs CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 12 of 13 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05 /DNRs for blocking the said websites, so as to ensure that these websites can be blocked on a real time basis and there is no undue delay. Upon receiving the said intimation from the plaintiffs, the ISPs shall take steps to immediately block the rogue websites in question. Likewise, the DoT and MeitY shall also issue necessary blocking orders immediately upon the plaintiffs communicating the details of the websites, which are illegally streaming the Event.
47. After communicating details of the rogue websites to the concerned authorities, plaintiffs shall file affidavits with the Court in order to ensure that the Court is fully informed of the websites in respect of which blocking orders are sought.
48. If any website, which is not primarily an infringing website, is blocked pursuant to the present order, they shall be permitted to approach the Court by giving an undertaking that it does not intend to engage in any unauthorized or illegal dissemination of the Event or any other content over which the plaintiffs have rights. In such a situation the Court would consider modifying the injunction as the facts and circumstances, so warrant.
49. In the unique facts of this case, plaintiffs are permitted to ensure compliance of Order XXXIX Rule 3 of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 through email, within a period of one (1) week, from today.
50. List before the Joint Registrar on 12th August, 2025 for completion of service and pleadings.
51. List before the Court on 28th October, 2025.
52. Dasti.
AMIT BANSAL, J MAY 29, 2025/Vivek/-
CS(COMM) 563/2025 Page 13 of 13This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/06/2025 at 23:18:05