Lions Gate India LLP (LGIL) alleged copyright infringement against the producers of the Hindi film ‘I Love You,’ claiming that they violated LGIL’s exclusive right to remake the American film “P2.” However, the Bombay High Court refused to stop the distribution of the film in response to LGIL’s petition.
In their lawsuit, filed through ANM Global, LGIL sought an order and injunction to prevent the release of the film by the producers and its owner, Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd. They argued that Summit Entertainment, the American company, held the sole and exclusive copyrights to “P2,” and LGIL had been granted an exclusive license to remake the film in Hindi.
The infringing film, produced by Athena E&M LLP without LGIL’s permission, was scheduled to be released on Viacom’s online platform on June 16, 2023. In light of this, LGIL petitioned the High Court for a suspension of the film’s release and an injunction against the filmmakers’ copyright claims. They also sought damages of 10 crores from the filmmakers and Viacom 18 Media.
LGIL emphasized the importance of the court examining the form, manner of presentation, and actual dramatic elements of both works to determine infringement. However, the film’s producers, Sunir Kheterpal and Athena EnM LLP, denied all allegations and claimed that their film was entirely original. Viacom also opposed the petitions.
The judge declined to halt the film’s release, requesting responses from the defendants regarding the urgent relief application and scheduling a hearing for one week later.
