The Madras High Court on Wednesday granted an interim injunction to Sony Pictures, the producer of the film Venom: Let There Be Carnage, who had approached the court against internet service providers and cable TV operators who may release the pirated version of the English film ahead of its release on October 14.

A single-judge bench of Justice Abdul Quddhose granted the stay on the prayer of Sony Pictures, which feared the pirated version of the film may be released illegally on the internet and by cable TV operators timing it with the India premiere. Venom: Let There Be Carnage, popularly known as Venom 2, is a superhero film featuring Marvel Comics character Venom, produced by Columbia Pictures and stars Tom Hardy in the titular role.

“The balance of convenience is also in favour of the plaintiff as there is every likelihood that if the film produced by the plaintiff is released by the respondents/ defendants unauthorizedly, the plaintiff will be put to irreparable loss. This Court is inclined to grant an order of interim injunction as prayed for. Accordingly, there shall be an order of interim injunction,” the bench noted.

The court observed further, “As seen from the averments contained in the plaint, the plaintiff alleges that they have invested huge amount of money for the production of the subject English feature film. It is their case that the cinematographic film produced by them is to be released on 14.10.2021. It is their case that if the pirated version is released by the respondents/defendants through their websites or through television channels illegally, they will be put to irreparable loss.”

The court remarked, “This Court has perused the contents of the affidavit filed in support of these applications seeking for interim injunction, restraining the respondents from infringing the plaintiff’s registered copyright over their cinematographic film Venom: Let There Be Carnage and is of the considered view that a prima-facie case has been made out by the plaintiff for the grant of interim injunction as prayed for.”

Notice has been issued to the respondents/defendants (internet service providers and cable T.V. Operators) returnable by November 10.