Delhi techie snags JioHotstar domain, asks Reliance to fund

The much-anticipated merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar is set to shake up India’s streaming landscape, with industry insiders predicting it could reshape the market. Both platforms are giants in the Indian over-the-top (OTT) space in terms of subscriber base, and together, they could dominate the industry. However, there’s already an unexpected twist in the tale – the domain name JioHotstar has been snapped up by a tech-savvy individual from Delhi, potentially complicating any plans for a unified platform.

While official details on the merger remain scarce, reports suggest the creation of a combined platform, possibly called JioHotstar. But that plan might face hurdles now, as a quick-thinking app developer has claimed the domain name JioHotstar.com, which currently leads to a bare-bones webpage with the message: ‘Best of Entertainment, Streaming Soon’.

A clever gamble on the JioHotstar name

The page lacks any formal logos or branding, but it does feature a bold message addressed directly to executives at Reliance Industries (the parent company of JioCinema). The message reveals the story behind the domain grab.

The developer explains how, in early 2023, news of Disney+ Hotstar’s user decline – following the loss of the Indian Premier League (IPL) streaming rights – led to speculation about a potential merger or sale. This, combined with Disney’s talks with Indian competitors, prompted the developer to act.

“I am an app developer based in Delhi, currently working on my startup,” the message begins. “I came across news about Disney+ Hotstar’s dip in active users and thought Reliance could be the one to acquire it. This reminded me of when Jio rebranded Saavn to JioSaavn, so I decided to check if the domain JioHotstar was available. To my surprise, it was.”

But this isn’t just a quick grab for a payday. The techie has attached a heartfelt request to the page – asking Reliance to fund his dream of attending Cambridge University in exchange for the domain.

This situation also brings to light a practice known as digital squatting or cybersquatting, where individuals register domain names that closely resemble established brands, often with the intention of selling them for a profit or using them as leverage for personal gains. In this case, the developer’s swift acquisition of JioHotstar.com illustrates how digital squatting can complicate corporate plans, especially during high-profile mergers.

Not only his demand was rejected, but Reliance is also considering taking legal action against him, as per the techie.

Blackmail karne ki Ninja technique. Scholarship do, domain name lo. (Can't decide whether I am appalled or impressed)

Mota bhai ko gussa aya toh aisa gayab kar dega ki sab dhundte reh jayenge

Extortion krne ka tarika thoda casual hai 😂

That’s clever move actually 😂

But, Ambani is cleverer. He can go for JioCinemaHotstar OR HotstarJio OR HotstarJioCinema and not get blackmailed by anyone

they are planning to take legal action..poor fellow

Originally posted by: beena_jon

they are planning to take legal action..poor fellow

Because the techie tried to over-smart and use the brand names ie Jio and Hotstar and resort to blackmail. He should have thought of the consequences too.

Jio and many other enterprises is owned by the powerful rich Ambanis and no way are they going to let any tom dick or harry use their brand in public domain w/o their consent.

While his move was smart, Ambanis are smarter. Jio and Hotstar are branded names. You can't just use both like that. This is going to be a very interesting match...or maybe not. The techie is just a common man without lots of money so he might just bend immediately.

at the time of purchasing the domain in 2023, no trademark for 'JioHotstar' existed, suggesting no infringement on intellectual property.

As per the reports,

Jio and Hotstar merger will be Completed on November 12th and will be Officially announced through a Pressnote on November 13th.#JioStar is the Name that is Being Promoted as the Potential name of the Website.