The Operation Sindoor Trademark Issue: A Battle Beyond the Battlefield

Introduction

In the immediate aftermath of India’s high-profile military strike on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir-codenamed Operation Sindoor, a very different race began. Within hours, four separate entities, including Reliance Industries, rushed to file trademark applications for the emotionally charged name. This unprecedented scramble has sparked debate about the intersection of national sentiment, intellectual property law, and commercial interests in India.

What is Intellectual Property (IP)

IP includes creations of the human mind, like inventions, artistic and literary works, designs, and symbols or names used in business.

Laws such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks protect these creations, allowing individuals to gain credit or income from their work. The IP system is designed to strike a balance between rewarding innovation and serving the public interest, encouraging a space where creativity and new ideas can thrive.

The Rush to Trademark “Operation Sindoor”

On May 7, 2025, just hours after the Indian Army announced its successful cross-border operation, Reliance Industries Limited became the first to file a trademark application for Operation Sindoor at 10:42 am. By the end of the day, three more applications had been submitted by:

• Mukesh Chetram Agrawal, a Mumbai resident
• Group Captain Kamal Singh Oberh (Retd), Indian Air Force
• Alok Kothari, a Delhi-based lawyer

All four filings were made under Class 41 of the Nice Classification, which covers education, entertainment, media, and cultural services. Each applicant marked the term as proposed to be used, signalling plans to leverage the name for future media, entertainment, or educational projects.

Why Operation Sindoor Became a Coveted Name

The phrase Operation Sindoor rapidly gained national prominence, not just for its military significance but for its deep cultural resonance. In Indian tradition, sindoor symbolizes sacrifice, valor, and marital commitment-making it a powerful metaphor for national defense and heroism. As the operation dominated headlines and social media, the name became a valuable asset for potential films, web series, documentaries, or other patriotic programming.

The Legal Landscape: Can You Trademark a Military Operation Name?

No Automatic Protection for Operation Names

In India, names of military operations are not automatically protected as intellectual property. The Ministry of Defence does not typically register or restrict the commercial use of these names, nor are they secured under any special statutory IP framework. This legal vacuum leaves such names open to trademark claims by private individuals or entities, unless the government steps in.

Trademark Law Considerations

The Trade Marks Act, 1999, is the governing statute. Under this law:

• The Registrar can reject trademarks that are misleading, offensive, or contrary to public policy (Sections 9(2) and 11).
• A mark may be denied if it suggests a false association with national defense or could offend public sentiment.
• However, there is no automatic bar against registering such terms unless challenged by the government or through public opposition.

First to File vs. First to Use

While the timing of the application is important, Indian trademark law does not guarantee rights to the first filer. The Registrar also considers:

• Intent to use
• Risk of public confusion
• Distinctiveness
• Opposition claims from other parties

If multiple similar applications are filed in a short span, the examination may be paused, and disputes could be resolved through formal opposition or coexistence agreements.

The Stakes: Why So Many Want the Name

Commercial Potential

• The term Operation Sindoor could be used for movies, TV series, OTT content, documentaries, or cultural events.
• Class 41 is especially popular among production houses, broadcasters, and digital platforms, all keen to capitalize on the nationalistic fervor and emotional weight the name carries.

Symbolic Value

• Beyond commercial interests, the name’s association with a successful military operation and its deep-rooted cultural symbolism make it a powerful brand for any patriotic or inspirational content.

Public Sentiment and Policy

• The rush to trademark a military operation name has sparked debate about the ethics and propriety of commercializing national defense terminology.
• Critics argue that such names belong to the collective national consciousness and should not be monopolized for private gain.

Potential for Government Intervention

• While the government has not intervened so far, it retains the right to oppose or restrict the use of such names if deemed contrary to public interest or national security.

Legal Uncertainty

• The outcome of the current trademark applications remains uncertain. The Registrar may reject all applications, approve one, or allow coexistence, depending on how the applications are examined and whether any opposition is filed.

What Happens Next?

Trademark Examination Process

• All four applications will undergo scrutiny by the Trade Marks Registry.
• If the Registry finds the name misleading, offensive, or too closely tied to national defense, it may reject the applications.
• If multiple parties claim the mark, the Registry may invite opposition or suggest a coexistence arrangement.

Possible Outcomes

• Approval: One or more applicants could be granted the trademark, gaining exclusive rights for media and entertainment uses.
• Rejection: The Registry could reject all applications if the name is deemed unsuitable for private ownership.
• Government Action: The Ministry of Defence or another government body could intervene to prevent private monopolization of the term.

Recent Developments: Reliance withdraws ‘Operation Sindoor’ bid 

After facing immense backlash against their move to trademark ‘Operation Sindoor’, Jio Studios, a Reliance Industries business, later stated in a statement that the trademark registration was submitted mistakenly by a junior employee without authorization and that wish to withdraw their ‘Operation Sindoor’ application as they had no intention of trademarking Operation Sindoor. 

Broader Implications

For Intellectual Property Law

• The Operation Sindoor case highlights the gaps in India’s IP framework regarding national symbols and military nomenclature.
• It may prompt calls for clearer guidelines or special protections for names of national significance.

For Media and Business

• The case underscores the growing commercial value of national sentiment and the speed at which companies move to capitalize on trending events.
• It also raises questions about the balance between creative freedom, commercial interests, and respect for national symbols.

Conclusion

The trademark battle over Operation Sindoor is a striking example of how modern branding and intellectual property law intersect with national events and public sentiment and Operation Sindoor trademark registration was challenged for commercial exploitation. As the applications move through the legal process, the outcome will set an important precedent for the use-and potential commercialization-of names tied to India’s military and cultural identity.