Reliance Backtracks: ‘Operation Sindoor’ Trademark Filing Was ‘Inadvertent’
Reliance Cancels Controversial Trademark Application
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has pulled its trademark application for the term ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a name given to a recent Indian military operation against Pakistan-based terror groups. The company emphasized that the application, filed by its entertainment arm Jio Studios, was submitted without proper authorization and was withdrawn immediately after an internal review.
Respect for India’s Armed Forces
In a statement, RIL stressed its deep respect for India’s Armed Forces and the decisive action taken during ‘Operation Sindoor,’ which was launched in response to a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The company expressed its pride in the operation and its unwavering support for the government and armed forces, reiterating its motto ‘India First.’
The Controversy Surrounding ‘Operation Sindoor’
The application sparked controversy as it coincided with the high-profile military operation. ‘Operation Sindoor,’ with ‘sindoor’ symbolizing sacrifice and valor in Indian culture, resonated strongly with the public. While military operation names are not automatically protected intellectual property in India, the attempt to trademark a term so closely tied to a national event raised eyebrows.
Other Trademark Applications
Reliance was not the only entity to file for the ‘Operation Sindoor’ trademark. Between 10:42 am and 6:27 pm on May 7, 2025, three other individuals or entities also filed applications under Class 41 of the Nice Classification, which covers entertainment, media, and cultural services. These included a Mumbai resident, a retired Indian Air Force officer, and a Delhi-based lawyer.
Trademark Law in India
Trademark rights in India are not awarded solely on a first-come, first-served basis. The Registrar considers factors like intent to use, public confusion, distinctiveness, and opposition claims. In cases of multiple similar applications, examination may be paused, and disputes resolved through formal opposition or coexistence agreements.
Background of ‘Operation Sindoor’
The Indian military carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base Muridke, under ‘Operation Sindoor.’ These strikes were a retaliatory measure following the massacre of 26 civilians in Pahalgam two weeks earlier.
