Mumbai, India, December 5, 2024 – Viacom18, the entertainment conglomerate backed by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, has successfully acquired the domain JioHotstar.com after an intriguing tussle with a group of tech-savvy teenagers from Dubai. This domain, considered a strategic asset in Viacom18’s ambitious push into the digital streaming space, had been under the control of these young domain squatters since its registration.
The domain name gained attention as Viacom18 continues to integrate its JioCinema platform with premium offerings following its acquisition of IPL streaming rights earlier this year. The similarity of “JioHotstar.com” to the Disney+ Hotstar brand raised concerns about potential confusion among users, prompting the company to pursue ownership.
According to sources, the Dubai-based teens initially sought to profit by selling the domain at a premium. However, after negotiations involving legal teams and an undisclosed settlement, the domain was amicably handed over to Viacom18. This development underscores the importance of securing intellectual property rights and digital assets in the highly competitive OTT landscape.
Industry experts view this acquisition as a strategic move by Viacom18, which aims to consolidate its digital footprint and compete with giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar. By resolving the domain issue, Viacom18 ensures a smoother path for its branding strategy as it prepares for the next phase of growth in India’s booming streaming market.
