Just hours after India launched Operation Sindoor, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries and three other applicants have filed for trademark rights to the term. The applications, submitted to the Trade Marks Registry on May 7, seek to register Operation Sindoor under Class 41, which covers education and entertainment services.
Each applicant has listed Operation Sindoor as “proposed to be used”, indicating potential plans for films, OTT series, or patriotic programming.
Why the Trademark Rush?
The term Operation Sindoor gained national traction after the Indian Armed Forces destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. The phrase “Sindoor” symbolizes sacrifice and valor, making it a powerful branding asset for media ventures.
Legal Hurdles & Trademark Rules
In India, military operation names are not automatically protected as intellectual property. The Ministry of Defence does not register such terms, leaving them open to commercial claims. However, under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the registry can reject applications if they are deemed misleading, deceptive, or offensive to public sentiment.
The trademark applications will undergo examination before approval. If multiple claims are filed, disputes may be resolved through formal opposition or coexistence agreements. The term Operation Sindoor gained national traction after the Indian Armed Forces destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. The phrase “Sindoor” symbolizes sacrifice and valor, making it a powerful branding asset for media ventures.
In India, military operation names are not automatically protected as intellectual property. The Ministry of Defence does not register such terms, leaving them open to commercial claims. However, under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the registry can reject applications if they are deemed misleading, deceptive, or offensive to public sentiment. The trademark applications will undergo examination before approval. If multiple claims are filed, disputes may be resolved through formal opposition or coexistence agreements.
