The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order restraining audio streaming platform Kuku FM from airing new episodes of five shows, following allegations of intellectual property (IP) infringement raised by Pocket FM. The case, Pocket FM Private Limited vs. Mebigo Labs, centers on alleged large-scale reproduction of original content, including themes, characters, titles, and promotional materials.
Judicial Intervention
Justice Saurabh Banerjee passed the interim injunction, ordering Kuku FM to halt further streaming of Shivay, Jobless Ghar Jamai, Immortal Yodha, The Legend of Amrapali, and Avataar. The court also directed Kuku FM to submit full revenue accounts for these shows. Pocket FM is seeking $10 million in damages along with a permanent injunction. The plaintiff alleged that Kuku FM systematically replicated its creative works, including core plots and even identical posters. Pocket FM also pointed to previous incidents over the last four years where Kuku FM allegedly engaged in similar conduct, often resulting in takedowns or legal action.
Content Overlap and Evidence Preservation
According to Pocket FM, the alleged IP violations extend to 17 show titles and 8 episode names, with one instance involving the use of an identical poster for the show Shoorveer. Senior Advocate Amit Sibal, representing Pocket FM and briefed by law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, argued that these acts amount to deliberate and systematic content theft. Pocket FM requested the appointment of a local commissioner to inspect and preserve digital evidence, citing concerns over potential deletion or tampering by the defendant.
Defense and Response
Represented by Advocate Saikrishna Rajagopal and supported by Sidhart Chopra of Saikrishna & Associates, Kuku FM contended that the disputed shows had been available on its platform since June 2024. The defense argued that Pocket FM’s delayed legal action — initiated only in July 2025 — weakens its claim for urgent relief. Kuku FM further stated that the plaintiff had failed to establish a prima facie case of copyright infringement.
Despite the defense’s objections, the court granted interim relief to Pocket FM and instructed Kuku FM to provide revenue details linked to the contested content.
Implications
The dispute underscores the growing significance of IP protection in India’s booming digital content ecosystem. With audio platforms gaining massive traction, questions around originality, content ownership, and enforcement mechanisms are gaining prominence. Legal experts note that the ruling may set a precedent for content-related disputes in the OTT and podcasting space, pushing platforms to strengthen their internal IP compliance and licensing protocols.