In the rapidly evolving world of digital journalism and lifestyle publishing, competition often fuels creativity and innovation. However, Hunterfly — an extension of the IndyaStory Media Network — says it recently became the target of what it describes as a baseless copyright and trademark complaint aimed at suppressing an emerging independent platform.
According to Hunterfly, a prominent digital media company submitted a complaint through Cloudflare alleging copyright infringement, trademark misuse and “deceptive similarity” in relation to the platform’s branding and design language.
The complaint reportedly questioned Hunterfly’s name, visual presentation and use of dot-based iconography across its digital assets.
Hunterfly Rejects Allegations of Intellectual Property Theft
Hunterfly has firmly denied all allegations, calling the complaint legally weak and an example of misuse of automated copyright enforcement systems.
The platform stated that its branding and design framework originate from the broader IndyaStory Media Network ecosystem and were developed independently using proprietary templates, layouts and visual assets.
According to the company, the dot-based design element highlighted in the complaint is part of a consistent network-wide identity used across multiple IndyaStory-associated platforms, including Bext.in.
“The dot iconography represents a shared corporate design language within our media network and is not an imitation of any competing brand,” the statement said.
Industry-Wide Design Similarities Cannot Be Monopolised, Says Platform
Hunterfly also addressed concerns raised over abbreviations, layout structures and internal interface elements.
The platform argued that common design patterns, short-form branding conventions and minimalistic user-interface components are widely used across the internet and cannot reasonably be monopolised by any one organisation.
It further stated that no media company holds exclusive ownership over content categories or audience demographics, including content aimed at modern Indian women.
“No corporation owns a demographic. Hunterfly was created to amplify authentic and independent voices, and we will continue to do that,” the platform stated.
Legal Counter-Response Underway
Hunterfly confirmed that its legal team is currently preparing a formal counter-response regarding the complaint.
At the same time, the platform stated that it has proactively streamlined certain visual elements and page structures to eliminate any possibility of confusion among readers or advertising partners.
The company also criticised what it described as the increasing use of legal intimidation tactics against independent publishers and emerging digital platforms.
“We refuse to be intimidated by attempts to weaponise automated legal systems to suppress growing independent media voices,” the statement added.
Hunterfly Says Operations Will Continue Unaffected
Despite the dispute, Hunterfly said it will continue publishing original stories, lifestyle features and digital-first journalism under the IndyaStory Media Network umbrella.
The platform reaffirmed its commitment to editorial independence, creative storytelling and audience-focused publishing as competition in India’s digital media industry continues to intensify.
