The trademark conflict between Robo-Dog ‘Champak’ Sparks Bcci and Delhi Press
An astonishing legal battle broke out over the robot dog of the name “Champak” in Indian Premier League (IPL). Indian Cricket Committee (BCCI) During the 2025 IPL season, we introduced AI-powered robot dogs to capture unique on-field camera angles and entertain fans. The name “Champak” was chosen through a fan poll in April 2025, earning 76% of votes for names like Buddy and Jaffa.
Delhi files lawsuit against BCCI
But when did the trouble begin? Delhi Pressthe publisher of the popular children’s magazine “Champak” has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit Delhi High Court April 30, 2025. The magazine, the beloved brand since 1969, claimed that BCCI’s use of “Changpac” on its RoboDog was a violation of its registered trademark. The media claimed that the board used the name “Champak” without approval, which amounted to commercial exploitation. The petition also said the nickname of Star Indian Batter Virat KohliCheek, and in one of the interviews, he himself revealed that his nickname was inspired by a character that appears in Champak Magazine.
“People from all genres identify the word Champak only with the plaintiff and his magazine, and the animal character, which is the focus of the magazine. Even the nickname of Virat Kohli, a cheek, is repeated that it is based on the character of the plaintiff’s magazine Champak. Citations from pleas filed by the prosecutor.
BCCI fought back saying that “Champak” was not exclusive to magazines. That lawyer, J. Saidie Dick, “Champak” was a normal name and pointed out that it even linked to the characters of the flowers and the TV show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. BCCI had no intention of stealing the magazine’s identity as it emphasized that fans chose names rather than organizations.
Read again: Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi really 14? Viral Video Causes Age Fraud Allegations
Courtroom drama and jokes in the controversy
In court, Judge Saurabh Banerjee For now, he refused the BCCI ban on using “Champak,” saying the magazine had no sufficient evidence of harm. However, he asked the BCCI to respond formally within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for July 9, 2025. The judge also joked why Delhi Press didn’t su cricketer Virat Kohli.
“When did you know about it? This is one of the characters in Champak. But you didn’t oppose him, so you haven’t started anything against him (Virat Kohli),” Judge Banerjee said at the hearing.
The case has become a hot topic on social media, with users joking about the conflict. The magazine teased that it might next sue botanists on Champa flowers. Others laughed at how TV character Champalal might take part in a legal battle. The conflict highlights how tricky trademark laws exist when brands, sports and technology mix together. As IPL promotes innovative ideas like Robo Dogs, this case can shape how names are protected in sports and entertainment.
Read again: Anushka Sharma breaks the silence with aggressive image of Virat Kohli