A legal dispute is unfolding after Sony International issued a Cease & Desist letter to a Sri Lankan TV channel, accusing the network of violating its Intellectual Property Rights through one of its programmes.

The letter instructs the channel to immediately stop producing and broadcasting the programme identified as infringing Sony’s content. It further warns that failure to comply will result in legal action being filed without additional notice, including a claim for damages caused by the unauthorized use of Sony’s intellectual property.

Sources within the Sri Lankan TV channel say the management has been thrown into confusion and urgency since receiving the notice, with concerns mounting over the large investment already made in the programme.

The channel is now reviewing its legal position as both sides await the next steps in what could become a major industry dispute.