Callaway calls TaylorMade balls ‘mud balls’ in ad; TaylorMade sues seeking injunction and damages.
Five-time major champion Rory McIlroy and world number one Scottie Scheffler are among the most famous golfers worldwide who use TaylorMade golf balls. The golf equipment manufacturer Callaway referred to TaylorMade balls as ‘mud balls’ in a commercial, which has now escalated into a lawsuit by the affected competitor. ‘Mud balls’ describes golf balls covered in mud after a shot from wet, soft ground or rough, which significantly impairs aerodynamics, often causing unpredictable flight paths and curves.
TaylorMade Files Lawsuit Against Callaway
TaylorMade has filed a lawsuit against its competitor Callaway, accusing them of false claims about the composition of their golf balls in a commercial. Callaway claimed that TaylorMade balls are inferior to their own. The lawsuit alleges that Callaway stated the construction of TaylorMade balls negatively affects flight like troublesome mud balls. “Callaway, its agents, and representatives conducted misleading UV light demonstrations degrading TaylorMade balls, calling them ‘mud balls’ and falsely alleging uneven coating and poor quality control leading to poor performance,” the lawsuit states. The suit was filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, San Diego division.
Allegation of Misleading UV Demonstration
The lawsuit concerns a Callaway commercial where a salesperson advises a customer to test golf balls under UV light to evaluate the coating and its performance effects. The complaint says the salesperson shines UV light on a TaylorMade TP5 ball, which shows a darker spot, noted by an assistant with admiration. Callaway’s salesperson then implies this indicates an inferior ball, saying, “Wow. Interesting, because to me it looks like a big clump of mud … right over the TaylorMade logo.”
TaylorMade emphasizes in the lawsuit that ‘mud ball’ is one of the most derogatory terms for a golf ball. They claim Callaway continues this misinformation campaign with many further instances, though specific examples beyond the video are not provided. TaylorMade is seeking a jury injunction to stop the alleged ongoing defamation and demands damages to be determined.
Comparative Advertising in the U.S.
Comparative advertising is common and permitted in the United States. Such ads must be truthful, verifiable, and not misleading. Direct attacks on competitors, including naming and comparing products, are typical marketing tactics to highlight one’s products. Compared to regions like the European Union, U.S. ads tend to be more aggressive and direct with brand mentions. However, defamatory or false statements remain prohibited in the U.S.