News agency Asian News International (ANI) has filed a commerical suit before a Delhi court over alleged copyright infringement of its videos by YouTuber Thugesh aka Mahesh Rajesh Keshwala [ANI Media Pvt. Ltd. Vs Mahesh Rajesh Keshwala & Anr.].
ANI has accused Thugesh of using the news agency's interview clips on his YouTube channel ‘Thugesh Unfiltered Channel’ without any license or consent.
It has flagged four such YouTube videos in the suit and sought a permanent and mandatory injunction as well as damages for copyright infringement, piracy, plagiarism and unjust enrichment.
“Said channel has been used by Defendant No. 1 to unlawfully reproduce, publish, and disseminate the Plaintiff's Works without obtaining any license, authorisation, or consent from the Plaintiff. In several instances, such unauthorised use has involved the reproduction of the Plaintiff's Works in their entirety. This conduct constitutes a clear infringement of the Plaintiff's exclusive rights under the Copyright Act,” ANI's plea said.
ANI had previously issued copyright strikes on YouTube but Thugesh filed counter strikes claiming fair use.
Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala at the Patiala House Court briefly heard the matter today and directed that written statements be filed.
“Defendant No. 1 was served by email on July 14. The time period of 30 days for Defendant No.1 will expire on August 14 and so the matter is adjourned today,” the Court ordered.
Meanwhile, Google sought some time to verify the veracity of the claims in the plaint. The next date of hearing in the suit is September 12.
Advocate Anshika Saxena appeared for ANI.
Advocates Nakul Gandhi and Tanish Gupta appeared for Thugesh.
Advocate Shruttima Ehersa represented Google.