A surprising legal battle has erupted over the robotic dog named “Champak” in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced the AI-powered robo-dog during the 2025 IPL season to capture unique on-field camera angles and entertain fans. The name “Champak” was chosen through a fan poll in April 2025, winning 76% of votes against names like Buddy and Jaffa.
Delhi Press files lawsuit against BCCI
But the trouble began when Delhi Press, the publisher of the popular children’s magazine ‘Champak’, filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in Delhi High Court on April 30, 2025. The magazine, a beloved brand since 1969 argued that the BCCI’s use of “Champak” for the robo-dog violated its registered trademark. Press argued that the board used the name ‘Champak’ without authorisation and in a way that amounts to commercial exploitation. The plea also said that the nickname of star Indian batter Virat Kohli, is Cheeku and in one of the interviews he himself disclosed that his nickname was inspired by a character which appears in 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,” quoting the plea filed by prosecutor.
The BCCI fought back, saying “Champak” isn’t exclusive to the magazine. Its lawyer, J. Sai Deepak, pointed out that “Champak” is a common name, linked to a flower and even a character from the TV show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The BCCI stressed that fans picked the name, not the organization, so there was no intent to steal the magazine’s identity.
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Courtroom drama and jokes amid controversy
In court, Justice Saurabh Banerjee refused to ban the BCCI from using “Champak” for now, saying there wasn’t enough proof of harm to the magazine. However, he asked the BCCI to respond formally within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for July 9, 2025. The judge even joked about why Delhi Press hadn’t sued cricketer Virat Kohli, whose nickname “Chiku” comes from a Champak character, to which the publisher replied that Kohli’s nickname isn’t used for profit.
“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 (Virat Kohli),” Justice Banerjee said during the hearing.
The case has sparked a buzz on social media, with users joking about the clash. Some teased that the magazine might sue botanists over the Champa flower next. Others laughed that the TV character Champaklal might join the legal fight. The dispute highlights how tricky trademark laws can be when brands, sports, and technology mix. As the IPL pushes innovative ideas like the robo-dog, this case could shape how names are protected in sports and entertainment.
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