In a surprising update to an already intriguing story, a Delhi-based app developer who had purchased the domain “JioHotstar.com” in anticipation of a potential merger between Reliance’s JioCinema and Disney Hotstar has revealed that his plea to Reliance has been denied. The app developer, who initially made headlines for offering the domain in exchange for funding his higher education at Cambridge University, now faces legal action from Reliance Industries.
The developer posted an update on the JioHotstar.com domain on October 24, 2024, claiming that Ambujesh Yadav, an Assistant Vice President (AVP) from Reliance’s Commercial division, reached out to discuss the matter. According to the update, the developer requested £93,345, the equivalent of his tuition fees for an Executive MBA (EMBA) program at Cambridge University. However, Reliance reportedly denied the request and indicated that it would pursue legal action to claim the domain.
The Dreamer’s Vision
The app developer, who continues to identify himself only as “a dreamer,” purchased the domain in early 2023, after speculating on the potential merger between Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema. The developer explained that his intention was not profit, but rather to fund his academic ambitions at Cambridge University.
In a letter published on the domain, the developer recounted how the idea came to him after Disney+ Hotstar began losing daily active users following the loss of IPL streaming rights. He hypothesized that Reliance’s Viacom18, being a major media player, would acquire Disney Hotstar, potentially rebranding the service under the name “JioHotstar,” as it had done previously with the music streaming platform Saavn, rebranding it as JioSaavn.
He hoped that selling the domain would allow him to fulfill his lifelong dream of studying at Cambridge, noting that while the domain might be a small expense for a corporation like Reliance, it would be “life-changing” for him. He also referenced his past participation in Cambridge’s Accelerate program, which sparked his desire to pursue further education at the institution.
The Update and Legal Threat
Despite the compelling narrative, Reliance appears unwilling to entertain the developer’s request. In the update posted on the JioHotstar.com website, the developer revealed that Reliance has chosen to proceed with legal action rather than negotiate for the domain.
“I wish such a large group could help,” the developer wrote in the update. “I don’t have the power to stand against Reliance. I don’t feel I infringed any trademark when I bought this in 2023, since JioHotstar was not even in existence at that time. Nobody has trademark for JioHotstar as of now.”
The developer has also appealed for help from legal professionals, suggesting that he is willing to fight for his claim if necessary. Despite the legal setback, the developer expressed gratitude for the support and kind words he’s received from people who have followed his story.
A Bold Move in a Shifting Media Landscape
The developer’s actions were based on solid speculation, given the rapid consolidation occurring in India’s media industry. The merger between Viacom18 and Disney’s Star India, reportedly set to be finalized in November 2024, would create the country’s largest media and entertainment conglomerate, valued at $8.5 billion. This merger, once completed, would combine the strengths of both platforms, reshaping the streaming landscape in India.
The app developer’s foresight in purchasing the domain, combined with his personal story of academic aspiration, resonated with many. However, Reliance’s decision to move forward with legal action underscores the significant commercial and legal considerations involved in such a high-stakes merger.
What’s Next?
As the legal battle unfolds, the developer remains hopeful that Reliance will reconsider his request. In his original letter, he had asked Reliance to reach out via official channels to discuss the acquisition of the domain. However, the update suggests that the road ahead may be much more complicated than he originally anticipated.
For now, the future of the JioHotstar domain remains uncertain, as does the developer’s dream of funding his education through its sale. Regardless of the outcome, this story has highlighted both the unpredictability and the stakes involved in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape.
