Overview
- The NCAA filed a federal complaint in the Southern District of Indiana on Friday and requested an emergency temporary restraining order with expedited briefing beginning Monday.
- The suit targets DraftKings’ use of registered marks including “March Madness,” “Final Four,” “Elite Eight,” and “Sweet Sixteen” in betting menus, promotions, and marketing.
- Exhibits include screenshots of DraftKings’ app that the NCAA says embed the marks in ways that could suggest endorsement or affiliation.
- DraftKings denies infringement, saying its plain‑text references are fair use and protected speech under the First Amendment, and it expressed confidence the court will reject the injunction.
- Reporting notes other sportsbooks also displayed similar tournament terms, and no court ruling has been issued yet on the NCAA’s request.