TRADEMARK TROUBLE: IPL FAME MEETS 'CHAMPAK' LEGACY

The renowned children's magazine Champak has filed a lawsuit against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the designation of the Indian Premier League's (IPL) new AI-driven robotic dog, which shares the name "Champak."

- DR. ZEESHAN H. HASHMI & DR. ALISHA VERMA

The renowned children's magazine Champak has filed a lawsuit against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the designation of the Indian Premier League's (IPL) new AI-driven robotic dog, which shares the name "Champak." The Delhi High Court has taken cognizance of the matter and sent a notice to the BCCI to address the trademark infringement claims within four weeks.

Champak's publishers, Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Pvt Ltd, assert that the use of the term "Champak" for the IPL's robotic mascot undermines their brand's uniqueness and violates their registered trademark, which has been associated with children's books in India since 1968. The next hearing is scheduled for July 9, 2025, and this case may establish a substantial precedent in intellectual property rights, particularly with the use of established brand names in future technology and entertainment platforms.

WHAT IS "CHAMPAK" IN IPL?

"Champak" is an AI robotic dog that has been launched as part of the technological advancements in the league. During the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), this robotic dog greets players, umpires, and fans with gestures such as handshakes, jumps, and heart gestures. It also has several cameras to capture novel angles on online fan polls held during match 33 of the tournament between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, in which it garnered 76% of the votes, beating out other names such as Buddy, Chulbul, and Jaffa.

WHAT IS "CHAMPAK" AS A MAGAZINE?