Jadoo TV, which at one time was one of the most popular providers of pirated South Asian content to global audiences, has permanently ceased operations worldwide. A December 2024 decision also resulted in a final judgment of $24,969,911 and a permanent injunction against Jadoo TV and its US-based CEO Sajid Sohail individually.
In addition, Jadoo TV and Mr. Sohail have paid a $1,500,000 settlement, making good on a February 20 deadline under a separate agreement. They also have transferred all Jadoo TV customer lists, Jadoo TV trademarks and domain names.
The case was coordinated by the International Broadcaster Coalition Against Piracy (IBCAP) and brought by IBCAP member DISH Network L.L.C. after DISH and IBCAP sent numerous notices of copyright infringement. DISH had a vested interest because it holds US distribution rights for programming that was going through Jadoo TV’s pirate service.
Protected channels
Channels licensed for pay TV distribution include Aaj Tak; ARY Digital; ARY News; ATN Bangla; ATN News; B4U Music; Channel-i; Dunya TV; Express Entertainment; Express News; Geo News; Geo TV; Hum Masala; Hum Sitaray; Hum TV; Hum World; India Today (a/k/a/ Headlines Today); NTV Bangla; and Times Now.
The lawsuit against Jadoo TV referred to the international channels distributed on its TV service platform from channel owners and their agents as “Protected Channels.” These are licensed from channel owners and their agents, which the lawsuit refers to as “Networks.”
DISH maintains written and signed licensing agreements with the Networks, which grant exclusive right to distribute and publicly perform the Protected Channels and works that air on the Protected Channels in the United States by means including satellite, direct-to-consumer streaming and over the Internet.
Case history
DISH Network initially filed the case in November 2018. Jadoo TV distributed its service through “Jadoo” set-top boxes and its mobile application, which were widely available online and in retail stores throughout South Asian communities worldwide, including in the U.S. and Canada.
While the case was underway, the court granted summary judgment on all claims against Jadoo TV and Mr. Sohail, finding them liable for direct, contributory and vicarious copyright infringement. In that ruling, the court determined that Mr. Sohail was personally liable as the “guiding spirit” behind the infringement of IBCAP member works.
“This (December) final judgment and settlement marks the culmination of a six-year legal battle against one of the most popular South Asian services offering pirated content, Jadoo TV, and its CEO” said Chris Kuelling, executive director of IBCAP.
Further reading
IBCAP-coordinated lawsuit results in $24.9 million judgment against Jadoo TV and its CEO. Press release. December 3, 2024. International Broadcaster Coalition Against Piracy (IBCAP)
Stipulation for entry of final judgment and permanent injunction. Document 296. Filed Dec 2, 2024. Case 3:20-cv-01891. US District Court, Northern District of California, San Francisco Division.
Jadoo TV and its CEO found liable for infringement; DISH seeks damages TBD. Article. June 15, 2023. by Steven Hawley. Piracy Monitor
Order Granting DISH Motion For Summary Judgment, Denying Sohail Motion For Summary Judgment. DISH Network LLC, Plaintiff, v., Jadoo TV, Inc., et al., Defendants. Document 270, Filed June 13, 2023. Case 3:20-cv-01891-CRB. US District Court for the Northern District of California.
DISH Network LLC, Plaintiff, v. Jadoo TV, Inc., Sajid Sohail, Haseeb Shag, East West Audio Video, Inc., and Punit Bhatt, Defendants. Case No. 2:18-cv-9768. Plaintiff’s Complaint for 1) Direct Copyright Infringement, 17 U.S.C. § 501; 2) Contributory/Inducing and Material Contribution to Copyright Infringement, 17 U.S.C. § 501; and 3) Vicarious Copyright Infringement, 17 U.S.C. § 501. Complaint. Filed November 20, 2018. Case 3:20-cv-01891-CRB. US District Court for the Northern District of California.
Why it matters
Putting the pirate out of business in a way that it never resurfaces to commit further acts of infringement tends to be a higher priority to the rights holder. While a settlement amount that was due to DISH by February 20 was, in fact, paid; there’s no guarantee that the entire $25 million will be paid in full.
The final judgment entered against Jadoo TV and its CEO Sajid Sohail is unique in that it not only recognizes significant statutory damages for registered works ($14,550,000), but also a significant monetary award for unregistered works ($10,419,911).
