The Delhi High Court has asked the BCCI and IPL to respond to a trademark infringement case filed by the publishers of the children’s magazine Champak. The case involves the naming of IPL’s AI-powered robotic dog as “Champak,” which the publishers claim violates their trademark.
Justice Saurabh Banerjee noted the longstanding existence of the Champak brand and directed BCCI and IPL to file written responses within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for July 9. While the plaintiff requested interim relief to stop the use of the name, the court did not pass any such order.
Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Pvt Ltd, which has published Champak magazine since 1968, said the robotic dog was introduced during an IPL match on April 20 and named “Champak,” coinciding with the 18th season of the IPL, which ends on May 25, 2025.
Advocate Amit Gupta, representing the publisher, stated that this use infringes their registered trademark and exploits the popularity of the name.
“This constitutes dilution by way of tarnishment, causing injury to the distinctiveness and positive public perception painstakingly built by the plaintiff over decades,” the plea said.
Gupta claimed the use caused irreparable harm by misappropriating the magazine’s brand value during a tournament broadcast to over 20 crore viewers.
Senior advocate J Sai Deepak, representing BCCI, argued that Champak is also a flower’s name and said viewers likely associate the robotic dog with a TV character rather than the magazine.
The plea, filed through advocates Mansi Kukreja, Kshitij Vaibhav, and Muskan Nagpal, highlighted that Virat Kohli’s nickname “Cheeku” originates from a character in the Champak magazine.
“People across all genres identify the word Champak exclusively with the plaintiff and its magazines and the animal characters which are the focus of the magazine. It is reiterated that even the nickname of Virat Kohli, that is Cheeku, is based on the character from the plaintiff’s magazine, Champak,” it said.
Justice Banerjee questioned the delay in legal action. “When did you come to know about it? This is one of the characters in Champak. But you did not proceed against him, you have not initiated any action against him,” he said.
The counsel responded, “Based on a particular character in a comic book or any of TV series and movies, people generally give nicknames to their near and dear ones. Today my issue is the usage of the word Champak which is my registered trademark.”
When asked to substantiate the infringement claim, the counsel said the IPL is a commercial enterprise and the name was being used in marketing and promotions.
The plea stated the robotic dog’s name was decided through a social media poll and benefited from Champak’s existing goodwill.
It also alleged that continued promotion of the name on news and social media is aggravating the harm to their brand. The publisher is seeking ₹2 crore in damages and a court order to prevent further use of the name by BCCI and IPL.
