Race To Own Operation Sindoor Name, Reliance & Three Others File Trademarks After Military Strike

New Delhi: On May 7, 2025, India carried out strong missile strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These attacks came after a deadly terror strike in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, in 25 Indians and One Nepali. The army named this cross-border action Operation Sindoor. The targets included camps linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The name Sindoor holds deep meaning in Indian culture. It stands for sacrifice, courage, and duty. Because of this, the term became popular quickly across the country.

Rush to Own the Name

Just hours after the strikes, Reliance Industries Limited applied to register Operation Sindoor as a trademark. Three other people also filed similar requests the same day. These were:

- Mukesh Chetram Agrawal, a resident of Mumbai

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

- Alok Kothari, a lawyer from Delhi

All four filed under Class 41, which covers media, entertainment, and cultural services. Each application said the name was “proposed to be used”, meaning they plan to use it for future shows, films, or content.

Is It Allowed?

In India, names of military operations are not protected like other government symbols. The Ministry of Defense does not stop people from using or registering such names.

India’s Trade Marks Act, 1999 does allow the government to reject names that are offensive or misleading. But unless someone files an official complaint, names like Operation Sindoor can be registered by anyone.

What Happens Now?

Since four people have applied for the same name, the trademark office may pause and review all applications together. They will look at:

- Who filed first

- What the name will be used for

- Whether the name may confuse the public

If the name hurts public feelings

Other applicants or the public can also oppose the trademark. Or, the applicants may agree to share the name in some way.

Why It Matters?

This case shows how quickly businesses move to capture powerful names. Operation Sindoor is linked to a proud moment for India, and many see value in using it in films or other content. But the legal system will decide who gets to use it.

Reliance Withdraws Operation Sindoor Trademark Bid

Reliance Industries clarified that it has no intention of trademarking Operation Sindoor, a term now deeply rooted in the national spirit as a symbol of Indian bravery.

The company said Jio Studios’ trademark application was mistakenly filed by a junior employee without authorisation and has now been withdrawn.

Reliance reaffirmed its full support for the Armed Forces and its steadfast commitment to ‘India First’.