Trademark rush for ‘Operation Sindoor’; RIL files then withdraws application

New Delhi: At least four applications have been made, including by a unit of Reliance Industries and three individuals, to trademark ‘Operation Sindoor’ that would give its owner the right to monopolise the name for movie, television series or other cultural and entertainment businesses.

Jio Studios, a unit of Reliance Industries Limited, filed the trademark application on Wednesday morning, hours after the details about the ‘Operation Sindoor’ was announced by the Indian armed forces.

To avenge the barbaric April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed, India on the intervening night of May 6 and 7 launched the ‘Operation Sindoor’ hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Apart from Jio Studios several individuals also rushed to trademark the name. Individuals who have submitted applications to the trademark registry for registering ‘Operation Sindoor’ include a retired Air Force officer, a New Delhi-based advocate and a resident from Mumbai.

However, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries on Thursday announced withdrawal of the application saying it was "filed inadvertently by a junior person without authorisation."

“Reliance Industries has no intention of trademarking Operation Sindoor, a phrase which is now a part of the national consciousness as an evocative symbol of Indian bravery,” Reliance Industries said in a statement.

“Jio Studios, a unit of Reliance Industries, has withdrawn its trademark application, which was filed inadvertently by a junior person without authorization,” it said.

“Reliance Industries and all its stakeholders are incredibly proud of Operation Sindoor, which came about in response to a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Operation Sindoor is the proud achievement of our brave Armed Forces in India's uncompromising fight against the evil of terrorism,” it added.

Advocate Amarnath, who specialises in corporate and trademark laws, said RIL’s application was made under Class 41, which encompasses educational and entertainment services.

Other applications have also been made under the Trademark Class 41, which includes services connected with education, entertainment, sports, and cultural activities. The owner of the trademark can use the name for activities like educational programmes, training services, organising events, film production, and sports competitions, Amarnath said.

“The most obvious purpose looks like naming a movie or TV serial,” he added.