Reliance Joins Trademark Race for ‘Operation Sindoor’ Against Ex-IAF Officer and Rivals

In a swift response following the Indian Army’s cross-border strike code-named Operation Sindoor, Reliance Industries Limited was the first among 4 applicants to file a trademark for the emotionally charged term. The move came within hours of the operation being announced, reflecting how quickly the name gained cultural and symbolic significance.

Between 10:42 AM and 6:27 PM on May 7, 2025, 4 trademark applications were filed under Class 41 of the Nice Classification. This category broadly includes services related to education, entertainment, publishing, and cultural activities. The applicants, as reported by Bar and Bench and Live Law, include:

• Reliance Industries Limited.

• Mukesh Chetram Agrawal, a resident of Mumbai.

• Group Captain Kamal Singh Oberh, a retired Indian Air Force officer.

• Alok Kothari, a Delhi-based lawyer.

Each application identified Operation Sindoor as “proposed to be used,” signalling an intent to possibly develop media or entertainment projects under the name.

Read More: IndiGo Shares in Focus as Over 165 Flights Cancelled Until May 10 Following Operation Sindoor.

Cultural Symbolism Behind the Name ‘Operation Sindoor’

The phrase Operation Sindoor quickly struck a chord with the public, garnering widespread attention across media and social platforms. In Indian culture, sindoor (vermilion) is deeply associated with sacrifice, valour, and marital devotion, making it an emotionally resonant term, especially in the context of military action.

Its symbolic weight appears to have contributed to the name’s popularity and prompted the rush for commercial claims. The convergence of military prestige and cultural meaning rendered it an attractive choice for trademark registration.

Legal Framework Around Trademarking Military Operation Names

Not Automatically Protected Under IP Law

Unlike official emblems or flags, names of military operations in India are not automatically protected as intellectual property. The Ministry of Defence typically does not reserve rights over such names for commercial usage, allowing private entities to file trademark applications unless specific legal objections are raised.

Provisions of the Trade Marks Act, 1999

Under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, a trademark can be rejected if it is:

• Misleading or deceptive

• Contrary to public morality

• Likely to hurt religious or cultural sentiments

However, none of these grounds automatically disqualify names like Operation Sindoor unless a formal objection or public opposition is raised during the application process.

How Trademark Rights Are Evaluated in India

Contrary to common belief, trademark rights are not strictly granted on a first-come, first-served basis. The Registrar of Trademarks will assess several factors, including:

• Genuine intent to use

• Potential for public confusion

• Distinctiveness of the term

• Existing opposition or objections

In the case of Operation Sindoor, the phrase’s widespread association with a military action could raise questions about whether its use in entertainment or commercial domains might mislead or offend certain sections of the public.

Conclusion: 

The attempt to trademark Operation Sindoor exemplifies how culturally potent terms, especially those tied to national events can quickly move into the commercial realm. As the trademark applications proceed through legal scrutiny, the case highlights a grey area in Indian intellectual property law, where symbolism and commerce intersect, and public sentiment could play a decisive role in determining ownership.

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