Media major seeks Rs 2 crore in damages, flags misuse of songs in branded social media promotions
Zee Entertainment Enterprises has filed a copyright infringement suit against Nykaa in the Delhi High Court, alleging unauthorised use of its songs in Instagram reels for commercial promotions.
The lawsuit, filed in April 2026, claims that Nykaa used copyrighted music owned by Zee in multiple social media posts to promote its products without obtaining the necessary permissions or licences.
Zee is seeking damages of approximately Rs 2 crore (around $210,000), arguing that while it has a licensing agreement with Meta Platforms allowing individuals to use its music for non-commercial purposes, the same does not extend to branded promotional content.
According to court filings reviewed by media reports, the case spans over 900 pages and identifies at least 12 Instagram reels where Nykaa allegedly used Zee’s music without authorisation. These reels were said to have been used to market products to the platform’s large follower base.
During initial hearings, Nykaa’s legal counsel informed the court that the flagged content had been taken down. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on May 26, 2026.
Both companies have not publicly commented on the ongoing litigation.
Legal experts suggest the case could have wider implications for digital marketing practices in India, particularly as brands increasingly rely on short-form video platforms like Instagram for advertising. The dispute highlights the fine line between personal and commercial use of licensed music on social media, an area where compliance remains inconsistent.
The outcome of the case is expected to set a precedent for how copyright laws are enforced in influencer marketing and branded digital content, especially as the creator economy continues to expand.
