New Delhi [India]: The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a plea filed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Uber Moto over a YouTube advertisement starring Sunrisers Hyderabad player Travis Head, which RCB alleged was disparaging to its brand.
The advertisement, titled “Ride like a Hyderabaddie ft. Travis Head,” shows the cricketer running toward a cricket stadium and spray-painting over signage that originally reads “Bengaluru Vs Hyderabad.” The text is altered to read “Royally Challenged Bengaluru,” a pun RCB argued was offensive and harmful to its reputation.
In its petition, RCB sought an interim injunction to halt the advertisement’s circulation, claiming it mocked their team identity and brand equity. Their counsel argued the ad crossed the line from satire to commercial disparagement, noting the emotional and financial stakes tied to IPL franchises.
Uber Moto’s counsel defended the campaign as tongue-in-cheek, saying it was part of a lighthearted, cricket-themed promotion and not meant to target RCB specifically. The term “Royally Challenged,” they argued, was a playful pun rather than brand defamation.
The court, siding with Uber, observed that cricket is rooted in sportsmanship and that such banter is common and shouldn’t invite judicial intervention unless it crosses legal thresholds.
“Any intervention at this point would amount to offering unrealistic assurances,” the judge remarked, dismissing RCB’s plea.
The ad campaign remains live, ahead of the anticipated clash between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 13.