On May 8, 2025, Reliance Industries Limited, one of India’s largest conglomerates, officially withdrew its application to trademark the phrase "Operation Sindoor." This decision came just a day after the company had filed to register the term for entertainment purposes under Class 41 of the Nice Classification, which encompasses services related to education, entertainment, and cultural activities.
The trademark withdrawal was confirmed through a post on X (formerly Twitter), where Reliance stated that the application was submitted inadvertently by a junior employee without proper authorization. The company emphasized that it has no intention of trademarking "Operation Sindoor," a phrase that has become a significant part of the national consciousness, symbolizing Indian bravery.
In its statement, Reliance expressed pride in the operation, which was launched in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The company affirmed its support for the Indian Armed Forces and the government in their ongoing fight against terrorism. "Operation Sindoor is the proud achievement of our brave Armed Forces in India's uncompromising fight against the evil of terrorism," the statement read.
The phrase "Operation Sindoor" refers to a military offensive conducted by India on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This operation was a direct retaliation for a terror attack that occurred on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including a Nepali national.
Following Reliance's initial application, a rush of trademark requests was observed. Between 10:42 AM and 6:27 PM on May 7, 2025, four separate applications for the trademark were submitted, including those from Mumbai resident Mukesh Chetram Agrawal, retired Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Kamal Singh Oberh, and Delhi-based lawyer Alok Kothari. Each application was marked as "proposed to be used," indicating plans to leverage the phrase commercially for projects such as films or web series.
All four applications were filed under Class 41, which includes a wide range of media-related services. This classification is commonly used by production houses, broadcasters, and event organizers, leading to speculation that "Operation Sindoor" could soon be seen as a title for a movie or documentary.
Despite the legal possibility of trademarking such terms, names of military operations like "Operation Sindoor" are not automatically protected by the Indian government. The Ministry of Defence typically does not register these terms as intellectual property, leaving them open to claims by private individuals or entities. However, the Trade Marks Act of 1999 allows the Registrar to reject applications that could mislead or offend public sentiment.
In India, being the first to file a trademark does not guarantee ownership. The Trade Marks Registry evaluates several factors, including the applicant's intent, the risk of confusion with existing trademarks, and the distinctiveness of the mark. If multiple parties apply for similar marks, the registry may initiate opposition proceedings to resolve the claims.
Reliance's withdrawal of its application underscores the complexities surrounding intellectual property rights in India, especially concerning terms associated with national pride and military operations. The company's commitment to the motto "INDIA FIRST" reflects its stance on supporting national interests over commercial gain.
As the situation unfolds, the interest in "Operation Sindoor" continues to grow, with reports indicating that over 30 applications related to the title have been received by the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association and the Indian Film and Television Producers Council. This surge highlights the cultural significance of the operation and its potential for various media adaptations.
The rapid filing of trademark applications following the announcement of "Operation Sindoor" illustrates the intersection of national sentiment and commercial interests in India. As the country navigates these waters, the implications for both the military and the entertainment industry remain to be seen.
In conclusion, Reliance Industries’ decision to withdraw its trademark application for "Operation Sindoor" not only reflects a commitment to national values but also highlights the ongoing dialogue about the commercialization of military terms in India. As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military operations, the legacy of "Operation Sindoor" is likely to resonate in both public memory and cultural storytelling.
