The phrase “Operation Sindoor,” which emerged as a powerful symbol following India’s cross-border military operation on May 7, 2025, has now become the center of a global trademark race. In the immediate aftermath of the Indian armed forces’ coordinated strikes in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, individuals and entities from the United States, United Kingdom, and India have rushed to secure exclusive rights to the term across a variety of commercial sectors.
The operation’s name, chosen as a tribute to the women widowed in the Pahalgam attack, quickly resonated across India and beyond. The emotional impact and national sentiment attached to “Operation Sindoor” have made it a sought-after trademark, particularly in fields like entertainment, media, and broadcasting. As of mid-May 2025, at least 14 applications have been filed in India alone, spanning services from audio-visual content to apparel and educational programs. Notably, Reliance Industries Ltd was among the first to file, but later withdrew its application, clarifying that it was made inadvertently by a junior employee without authorization.
US and UK Applicants Join the Trademark Race:
The trademark battle has quickly gone international. In the United States, Rohith Baharani, a New York-based individual, filed an application on May 9, 2025, under International Class 041. This class covers entertainment titles for licensing, including potential use by production companies, streaming services, or distributors. The application, filed on an “intent to use” basis, is currently under review by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) within classes that cover certification and service marks.
Vikas Mahajan, a resident of Devon, England, filed for the same mark on May 8, 2025, with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO). His application spans Classes 35, 38, and 41-covering advertising, telecommunications, and educational services. If these applications are approved, the registrants would gain exclusive rights within their respective jurisdictions for the registered classes, enabling them to license the trademark, enforce against unauthorized use, and initiate infringement actions.
Trademark Law, Territorial Rights, and the Madrid Protocol:
The surge in applications highlights the territorial nature of trademark law. Registration in the US or UK does not automatically confer rights in India unless a separate filing is made or the mark is protected under the Madrid Protocol, which allows a single international application to cover multiple countries. All three countries-India, the US, and the UK-are signatories to the Madrid Protocol, enabling applicants to seek protection across borders. However, under Indian law, foreign applicants must show actual use or intent to use the mark in India for successful registration.
Indian trademark law also provides safeguards against the misuse of terms that carry national significance. The Trade Marks Act, 1999, empowers the registry to reject applications that are misleading, offensive, or contrary to public policy. Additionally, Section 11(2) of the Act allows for the protection of “well-known trademarks” even if they are not registered domestically. Despite this, the Indian government does not automatically own the intellectual property rights to military codenames, and the Ministry of Defence typically does not register or commercialize such names. This legal gap has enabled private parties to file for trademarks like “Operation Sindoor,” though public sentiment and legal scrutiny remain high.
Public Sentiment, Legal Challenges, and the Future of ‘Operation Sindoor’:
Debate concerning the morality and legality of asserting exclusive rights to terminology that is deeply embedded in national sentiment has been triggered by the haste to trademark “Operation Sindoor.” The hazards for businesses perceived as taking advantage of national events for profit were highlighted by the public’s reaction to Reliance Industries’ brief trademark application. The practice of pursuing trademarks on popular or emotionally charged terms, known as “moment trademarking,” can backfire both legally and in terms of one’s reputation, according to legal experts.
With multiple applications pending in India, the US, and the UK, the outcome will depend on how trademark offices interpret the law and public policy considerations. The Indian Trademark Registry, for instance, may reject applications for “Operation Sindoor” if deemed misleading or offensive, or if the mark is seen as evoking government patronage without authorization. Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has already been filed in India’s Supreme Court to challenge attempts to trademark the term, reflecting the growing controversy and the need for clearer guidelines on protecting national symbols.
A lesson on the relationship between law, business, and national sentiment can be learned from the “Operation Sindoor” trademark story. The episode emphasizes the intricacies of intellectual property in a time when news, emotion, and commerce all come together at a rapid pace, regardless of whether the phrase is eventually granted trademark protection in any jurisdiction.
