ANI Files Copyright Infringement Suit Before Delhi High Court Against Producers Of Netflix Series 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack'

Asia News International (ANI) has filed a copyright infringement suit before the Delhi High Court against the producers of Netflix series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack”.

The matter was heard today by Justice Mini Pushkarna and notice has been issued to the producers of the show.

The court has directed that replies be filed on ANI's application seeking interim relief within two days. The matter will now be heard on Friday.

It is ANI's case that the Netflix series has used the footage of the news agency showing then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, General Parvez Musharraf and the terrorists without any permission and license.

ANI's counsel said that the show producer had approached the news agency in 2021 requesting to use the footage but no agreement was entered into between the parties. He further said that ANI does not want to be associated with the series in any manner. He added that in one of the footages, ANI's logo is visible which amounts to trademark infringement.

The counsel appearing for one of the show producers said that the footages shown in the series were obtained through two firms and over Rs. 1 crore were paid for it.

The counsel appearing for Netflix contended that the purpose of showing ANI's logo in the series was not to take advantage of news agency's name and that the show “glorifies pilots and forces.”