Domain squatter seeks £93,345 for JioHotstar.com, Reliance declines offer amid legal threats

Delhi: The domain JioHotstar.com has ignited a legal dispute, as Reliance Industries moves to address the issue of domain squatting linked to its potential future ventures. The owner of the domain, an app developer based in Delhi, revealed that they purchased the domain in early 2023, anticipating a possible merger or collaboration between Reliance’s Jio and Disney+ Hotstar.

The developer, who describes themselves as a startup founder, claims to have purchased the domain after noticing reports of Disney+ Hotstar losing users following the loss of the IPL streaming rights. The owner hypothesized that a merger or acquisition involving Reliance could lead to the rebranding of Hotstar as "JioHotstar." Banking on this assumption, they bought the domain, hoping that its potential value could help fund their education at Cambridge University.

In a recent update, the domain owner disclosed that they requested £93,345 from Reliance—an amount equivalent to the tuition fees for an Executive MBA program. This request, however, was declined by Ambujesh Yadav, AVP of Commercials at Reliance, who reportedly rejected the offer and hinted at potential legal action against the domain holder.

The domain owner has publicly expressed disappointment at the rejection and voiced concerns about facing legal action from such a large corporation. They maintain that their acquisition of the domain did not infringe on any trademarks, as "JioHotstar" was not in existence at the time of purchase. The owner further argues that no trademark currently exists for the name and has asked for legal assistance to help defend their case.

The incident underscores the growing tension surrounding domain squatting, particularly as companies like Reliance continue to expand their digital offerings. As the case unfolds, the legal battle between the domain holder and Reliance could set a precedent for future domain disputes in India. The owner’s plea for reconsideration and support has garnered attention, but Reliance has not yet made any official public statement.

With the popularity of both Jio and Hotstar in India’s streaming market, this dispute may also highlight the increasing need for companies to secure digital assets as part of their brand protection strategy in an evolving tech landscape.