Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has officially acquired the domain name jiohotstar.com, concluding months of legal and commercial disputes over its ownership.
According to the latest WHO records, Manish Painuly, Senior Director at Viacom18, is now listed as the registrant and administrative contact for the domain. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for the media company and Reliance Industries, further cementing its control over a prominent digital asset.
The domain jiohotstar.com was originally registered by a Delhi-based engineer, who later transferred ownership to siblings Jainam and Jivika, based in Dubai. The domain has long been associated with high-profile brands like Reliance Jio and Disney+ Hotstar, with speculation about a potential merger between these entities.
The Delhi-based engineer, seeking financial support for his education at Cambridge University, reportedly demanded money in exchange for the domain, which Reliance declined. The domain was subsequently acquired by the Dubai siblings before eventually transferring to Reliance.
After months of media speculation, the Dubai siblings decided to transfer the domain to Reliance’s legal team last month, without any payment or external pressure. They emphasized that the decision was voluntary, with the hope that the domain would be beneficial for Reliance. The transfer to Reliance marks the resolution of the long-running dispute and solidifies the company’s control over the asset.
Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd is a joint venture between Reliance Industries' TV18 and Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). The company operates a wide range of television channels, including Colors, MTV India, Nickelodeon, and VH1.
Its digital arm, JioCinema, has become increasingly popular, particularly after being named the official digital streaming partner for the IPL (Indian Premier League). The acquisition of jiohotstar.com strengthens the company’s digital and media presence.
Manish Painuly, who has been with Viacom18 for over 16 years, plays a crucial role in the company's digital transformation. His expertise in digital strategy, project management, and IT cost optimization has driven the success of Viacom18's digital products, including VOOT. Painuly’s leadership in Viacom18’s digital initiatives has been integral to the company's growth, especially in the rapidly evolving online streaming landscape.
Conclusion: Resolution of Ownership Dispute
With the final transfer of the domain jiohotstar.com, Reliance Industries and Viacom18 now have full control over the domain, marking the end of an extended ownership debate. This move strengthens the company's position in the competitive digital space, especially in the streaming industry, aligning with its strategic goals for growth and expansion.