In a dramatic twist in the world of cricket and advertising, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have taken legal action against Uber India, alleging trademark disparagement in a YouTube advertisement featuring Sunrisers Hyderabad's Travis Head. The lawsuit, filed in the Delhi High Court, accuses Uber Moto of defacing RCB's trademark in their ad titled "Baddies in Bengaluru ft. Travis Head". RCB's contention is that the advertisement presents a negative portrayal of their brand, which could have lasting repercussions as the Indian Premier League (IPL) season heats up.
The lawsuit was initiated on April 17, 2025, with RCB asserting that the advertisement, which has already garnered 1.3 million views, features Head running towards the Bengaluru cricket stadium with the intent to vandalize the signage that reads "Bengaluru Vs Hyderabad". Instead of the original message, Head is depicted spray painting the words "Royally Challenged" over Bengaluru, transforming the sign into "Royally Challenged Bengaluru"—a move RCB claims is derogatory to their trademark.
Representing RCB in court, Advocate Shwetasree Majumder argued that the act of altering the sign constitutes disparagement. She explained that the advertisement's messaging suggests that there is a match between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 13, 2025, and highlights the city's notorious traffic jams as a reason for the public to utilize Uber Moto services. "You had millions of creative ways to do advertisement. Did you have to do it using my trademark?" Majumder questioned, emphasizing the legal implications of using a trademark in a misleading manner.
On the other side, Uber's legal counsel defended the advertisement, suggesting that it was crafted with humor and good-natured banter. The attorney argued that the essence of advertising relies on such playful interactions and that RCB's interpretation of the ad lacks a sense of humor. "If I am referring to RCB and that is the script of the ad, then I am entitled to refer to them so long as I do it without disparaging them or encashing on their reputation," the Uber lawyer stated.
Justice Saurabh Banerjee, who presided over the case, postponed the decision on RCB's request for an interim injunction, indicating that he would take time to consider the arguments presented by both parties. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that the advertisement's interpretation could vary among viewers. "This is open to interpretation. I am being open, the moment you ask a person, a layman or a Court to see the ad and decipher. I can form or have an opinion which is different than yours," Justice Banerjee remarked.
The controversy surrounding the advertisement raises significant questions about the boundaries of trademark use in advertising. RCB, a prominent team in the IPL, is particularly sensitive to issues regarding its brand image, given its history of striving for respect and recognition in a highly competitive league. The stakes are high as the team prepares for its upcoming match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, an event that promises to be both thrilling and contentious.
Uber Moto's role as the commercial sponsor of Sunrisers Hyderabad adds another layer to the dispute, as it intertwines corporate interests with sports branding. The legal battle not only highlights the challenges that teams face in protecting their trademarks but also reflects the broader implications of advertising strategies in the sports industry.
As the court deliberates, fans and observers alike are left to ponder the outcome of this case. Will RCB succeed in its fight against what it perceives as a blatant misuse of its trademark? Or will Uber Moto's defense of humorous and creative freedom prevail? The IPL season is just heating up, and this legal drama is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
With the match between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad fast approaching, the implications of this lawsuit could reverberate beyond the courtroom. The outcome may set a precedent for how trademarks are used in advertising within the realm of sports, potentially affecting future campaigns and the way teams protect their brand identities.
In the meantime, RCB is not only focused on the legal battle but also on preparing for the crucial match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team is eager to demonstrate its prowess on the field and reclaim its status as a formidable competitor in the IPL. As the situation develops, fans will be closely watching both the courtroom and the cricket pitch, eager to see how this unique intersection of sports and law unfolds.
