Movie Rights Across the Universe: Section 9 Relief in Arbitral Disputes

 

Clause 2.1 of the IAR Agreement provides that Sipping Tea “hereby agrees to assign” various rights in favour of Global Impex, to the exclusion of any third party and Sipping Tea itself in the “Territory” i.e. entire universe, including any metaverse or virtual worlds.  The assignment is valid until the entire consideration of the movie is received from all source, including the subject rights.  However, the parties had difference of opinion and disputes after signing the agreement. 

The petitioner, therefore, filed section 9 petition for urgent interlocutory intervention to protect the subject matter of Agreement.

HELD that the interim protective measures to preserve the very foundation of the Agreement.  Not protecting the petitioner in respect of its rights in the completed work would cause irreparable damage to the subject matter of arbitration agreement.   In any case, the arbitral tribunal may substitute, dilute, enhance or modify the interim arrangements once it is seized of the matter.

Judgment dated 4.8.2025 of the High Court of Bombay in Commercial Arbitration Petition (L) No.21599 of 2025 of Ms. Global Impex  Vs.  M/s.   Sipping Tea Cinemas LLP