Just hours after the Indian military announced its cross-border operation named Operation Sindoor, Reliance Industries Limited moved swiftly to trademark the term—becoming one of four entities to stake a claim on the emotionally charged name on Thursday.
Between 10:42 am and 6:27 pm on May 7, 2025, four trademark applications were filed under Class 41 of the Nice Classification, which covers education, entertainment, media, and cultural services. The applicants include Reliance, Mumbai resident Mukesh Chetram Agrawal, retired Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Kamal Singh Oberh, and Delhi-based lawyer Alok Kothari. Each application listed Operation Sindoor as "proposed to be used," indicating intentions to build media or entertainment ventures around the name.
The phrase "Operation Sindoor" quickly gained national traction, with “sindoor” symbolising sacrifice, valor, and deeply rooted cultural sentiment. In the wake of the military strike, the name resonated widely.
Also Read: Pahalgam avenged: India's midnight strike destroys more than 70 Pakistan terror targets
Is it allowed to have a trademark over military operation names?
In India, military operation names are not automatically protected intellectual property. The Ministry of Defence does not generally register or restrict commercial use of such names, leaving them open to trademark filings. While the Trade Marks Act, 1999 allows the registry to reject trademarks that are misleading, deceptive, or offensive to public sentiment, there is no automatic bar against registering terms like Operation Sindoor unless legally challenged.
Trademark rights in India are not awarded solely on a first-come, first-served basis. The Registrar will also consider intent to use, risk of public confusion, distinctiveness, and opposition claims.
Also Read: With Operation Sindoor, India's red line for Pakistan is firmly etched
When multiple similar applications are filed in a short span, examination may be paused, and disputes resolved through formal opposition or coexistence agreements.
What is Operation Sindoor?
In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes early Wednesday on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base Muridke.
The military strikes were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor' two weeks after the massacre of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.
Between 10:42 am and 6:27 pm on May 7, 2025, four trademark applications were filed under Class 41 of the Nice Classification, which covers education, entertainment, media, and cultural services. The applicants include Reliance, Mumbai resident Mukesh Chetram Agrawal, retired Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Kamal Singh Oberh, and Delhi-based lawyer Alok Kothari. Each application listed Operation Sindoor as "proposed to be used," indicating intentions to build media or entertainment ventures around the name.
The phrase "Operation Sindoor" quickly gained national traction, with “sindoor” symbolising sacrifice, valor, and deeply rooted cultural sentiment. In the wake of the military strike, the name resonated widely.
Also Read: Pahalgam avenged: India's midnight strike destroys more than 70 Pakistan terror targets
Is it allowed to have a trademark over military operation names?
In India, military operation names are not automatically protected intellectual property. The Ministry of Defence does not generally register or restrict commercial use of such names, leaving them open to trademark filings. While the Trade Marks Act, 1999 allows the registry to reject trademarks that are misleading, deceptive, or offensive to public sentiment, there is no automatic bar against registering terms like Operation Sindoor unless legally challenged.
Trademark rights in India are not awarded solely on a first-come, first-served basis. The Registrar will also consider intent to use, risk of public confusion, distinctiveness, and opposition claims.
Also Read: With Operation Sindoor, India's red line for Pakistan is firmly etched
When multiple similar applications are filed in a short span, examination may be paused, and disputes resolved through formal opposition or coexistence agreements.
What is Operation Sindoor?
In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes early Wednesday on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base Muridke.
The military strikes were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor' two weeks after the massacre of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.
You may also like
Cash-at-home row: CJI recommends impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma, says report
Who was Bassel al-Araj? The Palestinian activist at the centre of Columbia library protest
Abdul Rauf Azhar, wanted terrorist and JeM founder's brother, killed in Op Sindoor
Maharashtra raises alarm over dip in proportion of grants from Centre to states
IPL 2025: It's Pretty Relentless With All Travel And Play, Says Starc
