In a surprising twist during IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has found itself embroiled in a legal battle over the name of its new AI-powered robot dog, ‘Champak’. The robot, introduced as a fun, tech-savvy mascot for the league, has become a talking point both on and off the field. But what’s the controversy all about, and why has the BCCI been taken to court? Let’s break down the details, the arguments, and what this means for the IPL and Indian sports branding.
How Did the Robot Dog Get Its Name?
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The BCCI unveiled the AI-driven robot dog, Champak, ahead of Match 29 of IPL 2025.
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The name ‘Champak’ was chosen through a fan poll on the IPL’s official website, with thousands of fans participating.
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Since its debut, the robot dog has been a regular feature at toss ceremonies and practice sessions, capturing players’ routines and entertaining fans across stadiums and social media.
Why Did This Upset the Publishers of Champak Magazine?
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‘Champak’ is a well-known children’s magazine published by Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Pvt Ltd since 1968.
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The publishers claim that using the name ‘Champak’ for a commercial entertainment feature during the IPL constitutes trademark infringement.
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They argue that the robot’s widespread exposure, especially during high-profile IPL broadcasts, dilutes their brand and causes irreparable harm to their reputation.
Legal Arguments and Court Proceedings
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The publishers of Champak magazine filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, seeking to restrain the BCCI and IPL from using the name ‘Champak’ for the robot dog.
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They allege that the use of the name is a clear case of trademark infringement and commercial exploitation.
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The petition also claims that the BCCI’s use of ‘Champak’ unjustly enriches the cricket board and tarnishes the magazine’s goodwill built over decades.
What Has the Court Said So Far?
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The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the BCCI, asking for a written response within four weeks.
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The judge acknowledged the long-standing existence of the Champak brand but did not grant any interim relief to the publishers at this stage.
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The next hearing is scheduled for July 9, 2025.
BCCI’s Defense and Public Reaction
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The BCCI’s legal team argues that ‘Champak’ is also the name of a flower and that the robot dog’s character is distinct from the children’s magazine.
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They point out that the name was selected through a public poll, reflecting popular sentiment rather than commercial intent.
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Some also note that the nickname of Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, ‘Cheeku’, is based on a character from Champak magazine, but no legal action was taken in that case.
What’s the Public Saying?
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Fans are divided: some see the lawsuit as justified protection of a beloved children’s brand, while others view it as an overreaction to a harmless mascot.
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The robot dog, meanwhile, continues to be a hit at IPL matches, drawing attention from both kids and adults.
Key Facts at a Glance
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BCCI introduced the robot dog ‘Champak’ during IPL 2025, naming it after a fan poll.
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Delhi Press, publisher of Champak magazine, alleges trademark infringement and has sued the BCCI.
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The Delhi High Court has asked the BCCI to respond; the next hearing is set for July 9, 2025.
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The court has not granted any interim order to stop the use of the name so far.
FAQs
1. Why did BCCI name the robot dog ‘Champak’?
The name ‘Champak’ was chosen through a fan poll on the IPL’s website, with the majority of fans voting for it.
2. What is the main complaint from the Champak magazine publishers?
They claim that using ‘Champak’ for the robot dog infringes on their trademark and dilutes the brand’s reputation, which has been established since 1968.
3. Has the court ordered BCCI to stop using the name?
No, the Delhi High Court has not issued any interim order to halt the use of the name ‘Champak’ for the robot dog at this stage.
4. When is the next court hearing?
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 9, 2025.
5. Is the robot dog still part of IPL matches?
Yes, the robot dog ‘Champak’ continues to appear at IPL matches, participating in toss ceremonies and practice sessions.
Conclusion
The legal tussle over the IPL robot dog ‘Champak’ has added an unexpected layer of drama to the 2025 season. As the BCCI and the publishers of Champak magazine await the court’s decision, the case raises important questions about trademarks, fan engagement, and the intersection of sports and entertainment in India. Whether the name stays or changes, one thing is clear: in the IPL, even the mascots can become headline news.