The long-standing drama involving the JioHotstar domain has finally come to a close as Viacom 18 secures the ownership rights. Yes! Finally, Jiohotstar seems to be officially transferred to Viacom 18 Media Pvt Ltd. According to the recent updates received, the records showed that the domain is registered under the name of Mukesh Ambani (Viacom 18 Pvt. Ltd). This ended the claim of ownership rights to the Delhi man and Dubai Siblings.
WHOIS data reveals that the domain is registered under Mukesh Ambani owned Viacom 18 Media Pvt Ltd, on September 20, 2024, and is valid up to September 20, 2026. The last update was recorded on December 2, 2024. The transfer was completed this week and was verified by WHOIS.
The Story Behind The JioHotstar Domain
The domain integrates the branding of two of India’s largest entertainment and telecom stakeholders, Reliance Jio and Disney+ Hotstar, but has been the subject of ownership conflicts. It was first registered by an engineer based in Delhi but was later bought by two siblings Jainam and Jivika living in Dubai.
The engineer defended his action, saying that he did not register the domain with the intention of harming but was compelled to let go because there were increasing legal and business concerns with the address. This made the matter worse when the Dubai siblings’ got involved.
Reliance and Viacom18 seem to be entering an era where they integrate their digital and OTT platforms under a single branding system. Given the joint venture between Viacom18 and Reliance and word on streaming plans aghast, it may be strategic for the company to retain control of the JioHotstar.com domain, deter all brand confusion, and capitate on the highly visible domain.
Who Is Manish Painuly?
Whois records for Jiohotstar.com now list Manish Painuly as the registrant, administrative, and technical contact for the domain, representing Viacom 18 Pvt Ltd. The proof that Viacom 18 Pvt Ltd has now the full control over the domain. As per Manish’s LinkedIn profile, he is a highly experienced professional working as the Senior Director of Digital Transformation, Business Intelligence, and Web/Enterprise Applications at Viacom18 Pvt Ltd. He has been with the company for over 16 years.
According to his LinkedIn bio, “Manish is Enthusiastic, a performance-driven self-starter, and a team player. Experience in building and managing a product’s online presence, including VOOT and other 40 + odd brands. Product planning, development, management, and strategy are the strengths. Demonstrated capabilities in managing stakeholders’ relationships and leading cross-functional teams aligned with business growth; specialties: project management, vendor management, information security, IT cost management, and service or solution creation.“
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