DISH Network Emerges Victorious in Lawsuit Against Jadoo TV, an IPTV Box Distributor

Jadoo TV Loses Piracy Lawsuit Against DISH Network

The IPTV box distributor, Jadoo TV, has recently faced a significant setback in a piracy lawsuit filed against them by DISH Network. The International Broadcaster Coalition Against Piracy (IBCAP) and DISH Network, a member of the coalition, emerged victorious in this protracted legal battle against Jadoo TV and its CEO, Sajid Sohail.

One of the crucial aspects of this lawsuit is that the California court granted a summary judgment, holding both Jadoo TV and Sajid Sohail accountable for direct, contributory, and vicarious infringement. This decision has far-reaching implications, especially for Sohail, as he was found personally liable, which may have consequences for Jadoo TV’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings.

The accusations against Jadoo TV and Sohail stem from DISH Network’s claim of copyright infringement. In 2018, DISH Network alleged that Jadoo TV had been conducting a deliberate, large-scale operation over several years, distributing channels exclusively licensed to DISH Network without proper authorization. This action blatantly violated 17 U.S.C. Section 501.

Sohail, as the CEO of Jadoo TV, was also implicated due to his supposed involvement in authorizing and directing Jadoo TV’s copyright infringements. However, both Jadoo TV and Sohail rejected these allegations in 2019. The court initially ruled that the charges presented a plausible inference of Sohail’s involvement in the alleged infringements, dismissing Sohail’s motion to dismiss when DISH Network submitted an amended complaint in 2020.

Fast forward to March 2023, where both DISH Network and Sohail filed motions for summary judgment. The District Court, presided over by Judge Charles R. Breyer, favored DISH Network and denied Sohail’s motion. The court established that there was no genuine dispute regarding DISH Network’s ownership of the copyrighted material, the defendants’ violation of DISH Network’s exclusive rights, or Sohail’s personal liability as the director of Jadoo TV.

The court further ruled that Jadoo TV was fully aware of the infringement and could have easily taken measures to prevent it. Consequently, the court held Jadoo TV responsible for contributory infringement. Additionally, the court agreed with DISH Network’s claim of vicarious infringement, concluding that Jadoo TV had financially benefited from the infringement and failed to exercise control over it.

Given these rulings, the court instructed both parties to propose what relief should be awarded to DISH Network within a 45-day timeframe. DISH Network has proposed seeking statutory damages, Jadoo TV’s profits derived from the infringement, legal costs incurred, and a permanent injunction.

In terms of potential statutory damages, the amount could potentially reach up to $14.5 million if the court agrees to the maximum of $150,000 per work for the 97 works involved in the case. Additionally, the court may consider additional damages or profits for works published outside the United States. While the final sum remains uncertain, it is evident that Sohail cannot evade his personal accountability for the infringement.

The lawsuit, led by IBCAP, has resulted in Jadoo TV declaring bankruptcy. However, the fact that Sohail has been found personally liable provides some hope for potential recovery options. Interestingly, despite the legal troubles, the Jadoo TV website remains online, continuing to sell set-top IPTV boxes.

Chris Kuelling, the executive director of IBCAP, expressed satisfaction with the verdict. He emphasized the significance of this ruling, highlighting that the owner and CEO of a popular South Asian service offering infringing content cannot hide behind a corporate shield and has been held personally liable for the damages caused by his and his company’s copyright infringement.

This ruling sets a precedent for copyright cases coordinated by IBCAP, as it showcases the U.S. courts’ firm stance against piracy and their commitment to not only side with copyright holders but also hold infringers, including company owners, accountable for their actions.

For more detailed information on this lawsuit, you can refer to the official court documentation (PDF) and the report published by TorrentFreak.

Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge the legality of IPTV streaming options. As a responsible platform, we cannot determine whether unverified IPTV services, apps, websites, or add-ons hold proper licensing. If and when an IPTV service is deemed illegal, we notify our users immediately and update our reports accordingly.

In conclusion, it is crucial to emphasize that the end-user holds responsibility for all content accessed through both free IPTV apps and paid services. It is recommended to explore legal IPTV providers to ensure compliance with copyright laws and avoid any potential legal issues.

Below, we have highlighted some legal IPTV streaming options for users seeking reliable and legitimate services:

fuboTV

fuboTV is a highly popular paid IPTV provider among cord-cutters globally, particularly sports enthusiasts. The service offers three different plans, with the most popular plan priced at $69.99 per month. This plan provides access to over 115 channels and includes DVR functionality. Additionally, new users can avail themselves of a convenient 7-day free trial, allowing them to experience the service before committing to a subscription. fuboTV can be accessed via its dedicated app available on various platforms, such as the Google Play Store.

Philo

Philo is an excellent choice for individuals seeking entertainment and news channels. With over 60 channels and unlimited DVR, this service is priced at $20.00 per month. Similar to fuboTV, Philo also offers a 7-day free trial for new users, providing an opportunity to explore the features before making a decision. The dedicated Philo app is available for download on the Google Play Store.

Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a popular free and legal IPTV application widely utilized by cord-cutters across the globe. The platform offers hundreds of live channels and boasts an extensive library of movies and TV shows. For those interested in installing Pluto TV, an APK guide is available for step-by-step instructions. The Pluto TV app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

By choosing verified and legal IPTV providers, users can ensure their streaming activities are in adherence to copyright laws and enjoy a reliable and secure viewing experience. Always prioritize legal options to support content creators and maintain a responsible approach to streaming entertainment.