Just hours after the Indian military launched Operation Sindoor, Reliance Industries Limited was the first to file a trademark application for the now-symbolic phrase. By the end of May 7, three more individuals had entered the fray — including Delhi-based lawyer Alok Kothari, Mumbai resident Mukesh Chetram Agrawal, and retired Air Force officer Group Captain Kamal Singh Oberh.
All four applications fall under Class 41 of the Nice Classification, a category typically associated with media, entertainment, education, and cultural services — suggesting possible future use in film titles, web series, or other creative projects. Each filing is marked as “proposed to be used,” reflecting commercial intent without current usage.
The phrase “Operation Sindoor” — tied to a cross-border military operation — has rapidly gained emotional and patriotic significance. While the name isn’t automatically protected by Indian IP law, the race to trademark it raises important legal and ethical considerations.
Although the Trade Marks Act, 1999 allows for registration of such terms, the Registry may reject filings that appear misleading or offensive, particularly those that imply state or military affiliation. However, without direct government intervention, such terms remain open to private claims.
In trademark disputes, India follows a multi-factorial approach rather than a strict “first to file” rule. Filing date, genuine intent to use, potential for confusion, and opposition proceedings all play a role in the final outcome. With multiple contenders for “Operation Sindoor,” a legal battle — or a coexistence agreement — may be on the horizon.
