DSPORT Trademark row: Delhi HC rules in Discovery’s favour

The Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction in favour of Discovery Communications LLC, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific and Discovery Communications India by completely restraining Lex Sportel Vision, its promoter RC Venkateish and Dilip Sharan, CEO, Lex Sportel, from using DSPORT in any manner whatsoever and specifically for marketing its own channel thereby using the goodwill of DSPORT.

The interim injunction was granted against Lex Sportel, RC Venkatiesh and Dilip Sharan as in the past weeks they had issued several communications in public, causing confusion within the market and industry on the ownership of DSPORT.

Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Rajput, Senior Vice President – Affiliate sales and Head of Sports Business, Discovery – South Asia, said, “Discovery has carried out business in this country for the past 25 years with utmost credibility and business ethics. We followed all processes despite multiple false accusations and are delighted that finally truth has prevailed. The interim injunction proves that prima facie case was made out in our favour that we own the brand DSPORT.”

Earlier, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific (DNAP) and Discovery Communication India (DCI) had terminated the relationship with third party service provider Lex Sportel Vision and RC Venkateish with immediate effect (as on January 23, 2020), exercising their right under the provisions of the Term sheet, following material breaches of Law by Lex Sportel and Venkateish in providing services to DCIN and DNAP. 

Prior to that, DNAP and DCI had issued notices dated October 14, 2019, putting Lex Sportel and Venkateish on notice of four months starting October 14, 2019, during which they were required to provide services in accordance with the Term sheet to DCI and DNAP.