Callaway calls TaylorMade balls ‘mud balls’ in a commercial – now the manufacturer seeks injunction and damages.
Five-time major winner Rory McIlroy and world number one Scottie Scheffler are among the most famous golfers who choose TaylorMade golf balls. Callaway used the term ‘mud ball’ in an advertisement directed at TaylorMade balls, which has now escalated into a lawsuit by the affected competitor. ‘Mud balls’ refer to golf balls covered in mud after being hit from wet, soft ground or rough. This dirt significantly affects aerodynamics, often causing unpredictable flight paths and curves.
TaylorMade sues Callaway
TaylorMade has filed a lawsuit against its competitor Callaway over allegedly false claims regarding the composition of golf balls in a commercial. Callaway claims that TaylorMade balls are inferior to their own. The lawsuit states that the design of TaylorMade balls negatively influences flight path similarly to annoying ‘mud balls’. ‘Callaway, its agents, and representatives conducted misleading UV light demonstrations that disparaged TaylorMade golf balls, including calling them ‘mud balls’ and falsely claiming that TaylorMade balls have uneven coating and poor quality control, resulting in poor performance,’ according to the TaylorMade complaint. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in the US District Court for the Southern District of California, San Diego division, against Callaway.
Allegation of misleading UV demonstration
The lawsuit refers to a Callaway commercial in which a salesperson advises a potential customer to test golf balls ‘with UV light to examine the type of coating and its impact on overall performance.’ The lawsuit states, ‘He then irradiates the TaylorMade TP5 golf ball with UV light, which impresses his subordinate who notices a darker spot on the ball.’ Callaway further suggests in the commercial that this indicates an inferior golf ball, saying, ‘Wow. Interesting, because to me, it looks like there is a big clump of mud… right over the TaylorMade logo.’
The lawsuit emphasizes that the term ‘mud ball’ is among the most derogatory labels for a golf ball. TaylorMade claims Callaway is continuing this misinformation campaign and there have been many instances of it continuing, though no specific examples beyond the video are cited. TaylorMade is seeking a court injunction to stop the alleged ongoing defamation by the commercial and demands damages to be determined.
Comparative advertising in the USA
Comparative advertising is allowed and widespread in the United States. Such advertising must be truthful, verifiable, and not misleading. Direct attacks on competitors, including naming brands or comparing specific features, are a common marketing tool to draw attention to one’s own products. Compared to other regions such as the EU, this advertising form in the US tends