ANI sues Netflix for using its content in 'IC 814' web series
PTC News Desk: News agency ANI has sued Netflix Inc and the makers of an Indian series showing an aircraft hijack, requesting that four episodes be taken down as they use ANI content without permission, ANI's lawyer told Reuters on Monday.
The series, titled "IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack" - a fictionalized portrayal of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814 from Kathmandu - has sparked controversy since its debut last month.
Social media users and BJP members have criticized the show for portraying the hijackers as Hindus with Hindu names even though they were Muslims.
Netflix added more disclaimers to the six-episode series last week after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting summoned company officials. It further stated that the code names used in the series matched those used at the actual event.
"They have used ANI's copyright archival footage without a license, as well as the (ANI) trademark," said Sidhant Kumar, lawyer for ANI.
"Since the series has come into such criticism, our trademark and brand are being tarnished," Kumar said, adding that ANI wants Netflix to remove four episodes using its content. The Delhi High Court had agreed to hear the matter and is awaiting Netflix's response, he said.
- With inputs from agencies
