Have you seen the new Dunkin' Donuts commercial where they blatantly compare themselves to Starbucks? They made a whole website about it:

http://www.dunkinbeatstarbucks.com

In the past I always thought it was a bit taboo to call out your major competitor and say that you're better. There was the famous Pepsi Challenge from way back, that was massively popular, but I can't remember the last time I've seen Coke and Pepsi go head to head on a Commercial.

Dunkin' Donuts isn't the only one either.

• Apple commercials go directly after Microsoft Vista.
• Dominos mentions 'SubMart' going after Subway for their new line of hot sandwiches. (much less aggressive than the others).
• Burger King lightly makes fun of Wendy's Baked Potato option in a new com.
• Miller Lite and Bud Light have always had a rivalry in which they name each other directly.

And there are so many more.

I like the way that DirectTV approaches going after the 'Cable Industry' with their newer campaign. It usually takes place at the "cable company" which remains nameless. They aren't attacking any competitor directly, but they encompass all cable companies. Here's a great DirectTV commercial site.

And this is just a great Comcast commercial http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1490420/powerboost_comcast_cool_commercial/

And then, you have Time Warner calling out Verizon (and leading to lawsuits) with this one:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/04/10/verizon-sues-time-warner-over-misleading-anti-fios-commercial-see-it-for-yourself/

It's an interesting approach to marketing when you call out your #1 competitor directly. However, it's effective. I think in Internet marketing, there is more of a calling to work together rather than attack people, and there is enough business to go around (if you're a smart marketer).

I'm sure there are 100's of brand battles that I've missed too. If you have any more examples, leave a comment.

Thanks,

Anthony