The world of domain flipping is thrilling and sometimes dramatic and nothing illustrates this better than the ongoing battle for JioHotstar.com. With e Reliance Industries, an ambitious developer and even two young Dubai-based siblings now involved, this saga is taking turns no one expected.
Let’s see what is the buzz all about!
Table of contents
- Let’s First Understand What is Domain Flipping?
- The Deal with JioHotstar.com: Reliance, Hotstar and One Developer’s Gambit
- Now Comes The Twist — Dubai Siblings & Their Charitable Website
- That’s Why Secure Your Business Domain Early
- Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s First Understand What is Domain Flipping?
Domain flipping is the practice of buying and selling domain names for a profit. Just like real estate, some digital addresses appreciate over time, especially if they align with popular brands, keywords or trends.
Domain flippers often anticipate emerging business names or high-traffic keywords, purchasing the related domains with the hope that companies will later be willing to pay a premium for them. It’s a game of foresight and risk-taking, where flippers can hit the jackpot—or end up in a costly legal battle.
The Deal with JioHotstar.com: Reliance, Hotstar and One Developer’s Gambit
The domain JioHotstar.com entered the spotlight in 2023, just as rumours of a merger between Reliance’s JioCinema and Disney’s Hotstar were beginning to swirl.
Spotting a potential golden opportunity, a Delhi-based developer quickly registered the domain name. Why did he do that?
So that he can sell it to Reliance Industries at a premium price. He set an asking price of over ₹1 crore (roughly $120,000), aiming to fund his education at Cambridge University through the sale.
But things didn’t go quite as planned. Reliance Industries, known for zealously protecting its trademarks, did not respond to his price proposal.
Instead, word of the domain registration spread and the developer found himself under pressure. Reliance reportedly began hinting at legal action to reclaim the domain, arguing it was infringing on their brand identity. Facing mounting stress and public scrutiny, the developer realised he might not be able to match Reliance’s legal firepower.
Now Comes The Twist — Dubai Siblings & Their Charitable Website
Look what pops up when you type “jiohotstar.com” on Google.
You know what happened here? Just when it seemed the story might quietly end, a surprising new chapter began.
Two young siblings from Dubai—13-year-old Jainam Jain and his 10-year-old sister, Jivika Jain—bought JioHotstar.com. Their motivation was different from that of a typical domain flipper. They wanted to use the site as a platform for sharing their philanthropic adventures and inspiring kindness. The siblings have since repurposed the site to document their charitable activities, turning a once-controversial domain into a heartwarming space dedicated to spreading positivity.
For the developer, there’s still a faint hope that Reliance might consider buying the domain from its current owners especially now that its usage has taken on a new non-commercial tone.
As for Reliance, they have yet to make a public statement on their future plans for the domain.
That’s Why Secure Your Business Domain Early
Reliance, despite being a massive company, missed the opportunity to secure the domain name “jiohotstar.com.” This oversight allowed someone else to register it, which created a conflict over ownership.
This situation serves as a strong reminder of why businesses should proactively register domains related to their brand.
If you wait until you’re ready to use a domain, you might find it already taken, possibly by someone looking to sell it for a high price or by competitors looking to confuse your customers.
When you don’t own the right domain, you risk losing potential customers to competitors. For example, if someone searches for your brand and finds a different site instead, they might end up purchasing from that competitor instead of you. This can lead to a loss of sales and trust in your brand.
Moreover, if you need to reclaim a domain later, it can be costly and complicated. You could end up in legal disputes, which not only take time and money but can also hurt your company’s reputation. Therefore, even if you’re not planning to use a domain right away, it’s wise to secure it early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vasim Samadji is a partner at Flora Fountain, where he leads the Business and Marketing Strategy divisions. In a world where everyone is used to sugarcoating, his directness is often considered rude. But that shouldn't be a problem if you like the no-nonsense approach. Because he is a seasoned professional...
