New Delhi, India – July 11, 2025 – India’s audio streaming industry is witnessing a dramatic Pocket FM KuKu FM lawsuit as Pocket FM, a leading audio entertainment platform, seeks ₹85.7 crore ($10 million) in damages from Mebigo Labs, the parent of rival KuKu FM, in the Delhi High Court. Alleging copyright and trademark infringement, Pocket FM claims KuKu FM copied its content, while KuKu FM calls the charges strategically motivated to disrupt its fundraising. This high-stakes legal battle highlights fierce competition in India’s audio OTT market, projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2030. Here’s an in-depth look at this game-changing dispute, its implications, and the future of audio streaming.
Table of Contents
Unpacking the Pocket FM KuKu FM Lawsuit
Pocket FM’s Allegations of Content Theft
Pocket FM accuses KuKu FM of systematically copying five audio series—Super Yoddha, Insta Empire, Amrapali, Vashikaran, and The Immortal Warrior—over four years. Represented by Senior Advocate Amit Sibal and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Pocket FM claims KuKu FM replicated themes, characters, and promotional materials, including an identical poster for Shoorveer, to mislead listeners. The company seeks a permanent injunction, destruction of infringing content, and ₹85.7 crore in damages, alleging brand reputation harm. Pocket FM has requested a local commissioner to preserve digital evidence.
KuKu FM’s Defense: Originality Claims
KuKu FM, represented by Advocate Saikrishna Rajagopal, denies the allegations, asserting that its series—Shivay, Jobless Ghar Jamai, Immortal Yodha, The Legend of Amrapali, and Avataar—are original works based on extensive research. The company argues the legal action is delayed, as its series launched in June 2024, and accuses Pocket FM of targeting its $70 million fundraising round. KuKu FM insists the claims are baseless and aimed at disrupting its growth.
Court’s Interim Ruling
Delhi High Court’s Response
On July 10, 2025, Justice Saurabh Banerjee issued an interim order restraining KuKu FM from releasing new episodes of the disputed series until the next hearing on August 29, 2025. The court ordered a Chartered Accountant certificate detailing revenue from these series and full content disclosure. While acknowledging balanced arguments, the court avoided immediate content takedowns, prioritizing evidence review in this audio OTT dispute.
A Pattern of Legal Tensions
Past Disputes Fuel Rivalry
The copyright clash builds on prior conflicts. In 2022, Pocket FM sued KuKu FM for summarizing books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, settled when KuKu FM removed the content. In May 2025, it won an injunction against KuKu FM for allegedly pirating Insta Millionaire, with KuKu FM using Pocket FM’s branding in voiceovers. These incidents strengthen Pocket FM’s claims of habitual infringement.
KuKu FM’s Counter-Claims
It alleges Pocket FM is orchestrating a smear campaign to undermine its fundraising efforts. Co-founder Lal Chand Bisu claimed Pocket FM hired a PR agency to fuel negative publicity, though these claims remain unaddressed in court. Pocket FM denies the accusations, focusing on content innovation.
The Audio OTT Market Context
A Booming yet Competitive Space
India’s audio OTT market, projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2030 with a 14% CAGR, is fiercely competitive. Pocket FM, founded in 2018 with $197 million raised and a $750 million valuation, and KuKu FM, also founded in 2018 with $72.3 million raised and a ₹1,470 crore valuation, cater to regional-language audiences with audiobooks and micro-dramas. Pocket FM’s Pocket Toons and KuKu FM’s Kuku TV signal diversification into new formats, intensifying the legal battle over intellectual property.
Financial Performance and Challenges
Pocket FM reported a 68% revenue surge to ₹1,768 crore in FY25, while KuKu FM earned ₹88 crore in FY24, spending ₹100 crore on marketing. Both face external pressures—Pocket FM navigates US lawsuits over worker classification, while KuKu FM restructured, laying off 300 employees in 2024. These dynamics highlight the need for sustainable growth.
Implications for India’s Startup Ecosystem
Shaping IP Protection
The Pocket FM KuKu FM lawsuit could set a precedent for IP protection in India’s audio streaming industry. A win for Pocket FM may encourage content investment, while a KuKu FM victory could redefine creative adaptation boundaries, impacting platform strategies.
Impact on Fundraising
KuKu FM’s claim that the lawsuit targets its $70 million funding round underscores the strategic use of legal action. Such disputes can erode investor confidence, especially as Pocket FM eyes a potential IPO. The outcome will influence risk assessments in the audio OTT space.
What’s Next
The August 29, 2025, hearing will determine the fate of the copyright dispute. As India’s audio OTT market grows, this legal clash highlights the critical role of intellectual property in sustaining innovation. With ₹85.7 crore at stake, the Pocket FM KuKu FM lawsuit is a pivotal moment for India’s startup ecosystem.
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Last Updated on Friday, July 11, 2025 3:09 pm by Swayam Sharma
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