In the wake of India’s cross-border military strike—dubbed Operation Sindoor—following the May 7 Pahalgam terror attack, trademark applications for the phrase have surged across multiple jurisdictions, including India, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Surge in Trademark Filings
The phrase “Operation Sindoor”, which has gained symbolic resonance due to its association with sacrifice and national valour, is now at the center of multiple intellectual property claims.
In India, at least 14 trademark applications have been filed as of mid-May 2025, spanning classes related to media, entertainment, apparel, and digital services. The applications come from a mix of individuals and businesses. Interestingly, Reliance Industries, which was the first to file under Class 41 (entertainment), withdrew its application the very next day, though no official reason was cited.
In the United States, Rohith Baharani, a New York resident, filed an application on May 9, 2025, under International Class 041, which covers “providing a trademarked entertainment title for licensing or sale to production companies, streaming services, or distributors.” Filed on an Intent to Use (ITU) basis, the mark is currently awaiting examination by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) under service mark classifications.
In the United Kingdom, Vikas Mahajan, a resident of Devon, filed an application on May 8, 2025, under Classes 35, 38, and 41, covering advertising, telecommunications, and education-related services. This filing at the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) mirrors a similar strategic push to secure commercial and media rights linked to the phrase.
Territorial Rights and Madrid Protocol
Trademark protection is territorial, meaning that rights granted in the US or UK do not automatically extend to India. However, since all three countries are signatories to the Madrid Protocol, applicants may seek international protection via a single application.
If granted, trademark owners would gain:
- Exclusive rights to use the mark within their jurisdiction and class,
- The ability to license the mark commercially,
- The right to initiate infringement actions against unauthorized use.
A Battle Over Symbolic Ownership
While the military operation has sparked nationalistic fervour, the rush to secure commercial rights over Operation Sindoor underscores the increasing convergence of patriotism, media, and branding. With high public interest and emotional resonance, the phrase could become a sought-after title for films, documentaries, merchandise, or digital campaigns—fueling competition among early trademark filers.
