Tata Group-owned Air India has reportedly said that it is planning to take legal action against an advertising campaign of Builder.ai claiming to build a prototype of an app for the airline.

Air India has alleged that Builder.ai has launched an advertising campaign in print media, digital media and OOH, claiming that it has developed a prototype of an app, especially for the airline. 

The airline has clarified that it has "not awarded any contract or given permission to Builder.ai to develop any app". Neither has it "engaged their services for any digital activity," noted the carrier in a public notice shared on Twitter. 

The carrier further pointed out that Builder.ai has allegedly put out a print advertisement in "leading newspapers" which includes a QR code. This QR code links to the prototype app, in which the Air India logo and trademark appear distinctly. "The prototype has been developed without the involvement or consent of Air India," noted the carrier in the official statement. 

In response, Builder.ai has issued a clarification. The statement issued by Builder.ai said: “We wanted to clarify some of the aspects regarding our recent advertising campaign. “Our Valentine’s Day initiative/advertising campaign was solely to offer a gift to the national carrier, and an iconic brand, in the form of a prototype of an app. This was done entirely because of immense affection for the brand. The prototype was a humble effort to celebrate and contribute towards the brand’s new and exciting journey. In no instance or manner whatsoever has Builder.ai ever claimed via print media, digital media, and OOH campaigns that the prototype ‘gift’ is Air India’s official app nor that Builder.ai was awarded any contract to create one. Additionally, as referenced in the terms and conditions for the prizes; the complimentary air tickets would be something awarded and paid for by Builder.ai alone.”