After Humans Of New York's Tweet, Humans of Bombay Clarifies Copyright Lawsuit Against POI

Delhi High Court judge, Justice Prathiba Singh, has taken action in response to a plea filed by Humans of Bombay (HOB) against 'People of India' (POI) for alleged copyright infringement of its content

Humans Of Bombay Files Lawsuit Against 'POI' For Imitation

New Delhi: 'Humans Of Bombay'which is a popular social media platform founded by Karishma Mehta in the year 2014, has filed a lawsuit against a similar online flatform known as 'People Of India'. A Delhi High Court judge, Justice Prathiba Singh, has taken action in response to a plea filed by Humans of Bombay (HOB) against 'People of India' (POI) for alleged copyright infringement of its content.

According to the plea, 'People of India' has allegedly violated copyright by using films from Humans of Bombay's Instagram account and YouTube channel without permission. Additionally, it claimed that 'People of India' has also copied HOB's unique storytelling format without authorisation.

All About The Case:

According to a report by Financial Express, HOB’s counsel Abhishek Malhotra said that the defendant has started an identical portal/service having identical content by the name of ‘People of India’. He also said that the defendant has replicated images/videos from HOB’s platform and has used it on its own platform.

'Humans Of New York' Creator Reacts:

After learning about the copyright infringement lawsuit, Brandon Stanton, the creator of 'Humans of New York' (HONY), ptook to X (previously known as Twitter) and wrote a note to express his perspective on the situation. In his tweet, Mr Stanton stated, "I've stayed quiet on the appropriation of my work because I think @HumansOfBombay shares important stories, even if they've monetized far past anything I'd feel comfortable doing on HONY. But you can't be suing people for what I've forgiven you for."

I've stayed quiet on the appropriation of my work because I think @HumansOfBombay shares important stories, even if they've monetized far past anything I'd feel comfortable doing on HONY. But you can't be suing people for what I've forgiven you for. https://t.co/0jZM05YyTt

— Brandon Stanton (@humansofny) September 23, 2023

He further wrote, "I’ve always loved @HumansofAdam because Debra has stayed so true to the art, and has never viewed the stories that she shares as the “front end” of a business."

I’ve always loved @HumansofAdam because Debra has stayed so true to the art, and has never viewed the stories that she shares as the “front end” of a business

— Brandon Stanton (@humansofny) September 23, 2023

'Humans Of Bombay' Pens Down A Note:

In response to Brandon's tweet, 'Humans Of Bombay' took to X and wrote, "Dear Brandon, As with the hundreds of Humans of chapters around the world, we love and understand the power of storytelling. It's therefore shocking that a cryptic assault on our efforts to protect our intellectual property is made in this manner, especially without understanding the background of the case."

"Perhaps, before jumping the gun on this matter, you ought to acquaint yourself with the information about the case and also about what HOB is trying to achieve. HOB is all for the power of storytelling. But it should be done honestly and ethically. We have sent you an email, requesting a conversation to provide further details. We believe in the honourable court of India and will request patience for the law take it's own course after hearing ALL parts of the matter. Best, Humans of Bombay," they added.

pic.twitter.com/JcgZOc8A6g

— Humans Of Bombay (@HumansOfBombay) September 23, 2023

In another tweet, 'Humans OF Bombay' explained that they are not aganist the storytelling but the suit is related to the IP.

"We are grateful to HONY & Brandon for starting this storytelling movement. The suit is related to the IP in our posts & not about storytelling at all. We tried to address the issue amicably before approaching the Court, as we believe in protecting our team’s hard work. PFA"

We are grateful to HONY & Brandon for starting this storytelling movement.

The suit is related to the IP in our posts & not about storytelling at all.

We tried to address the issue amicably before approaching the Court, as we believe in protecting our team’s hard work.

PFA

— Humans Of Bombay (@HumansOfBombay) September 24, 2023