When the Indian defence forces launched Operation Sindoor in May — a mission aimed at avenging the Pahalgam attack by Pakistan-backed terrorists — it stirred not only national pride but also a curious wave of commercial enthusiasm.
The name Operation Sindoor began echoing far beyond defence circles, finding its way into trademark registries across the country.
A national daily has reported that in the six months following the operation, the Controller General of Patent, Design, and Trademarks has received 31 applications seeking exclusive ownership of Operation Sindoor and its associated design.
Entities from the entertainment and education sectors submitted claims, the report said.
The trademark scramble reflects a familiar phenomenon. When an event captures national sentiment, entrepreneurs rush to claim its cultural and commercial symbolism. A trademark attorney was quoted as saying that such surges are common when an event resonates nationally.
Terms linked to government or defence operations are unlikely to be registrable, as they are seen as descriptive or contrary to public policy, he said.
Of the dozens of applications, the entertainment industry has shown the strongest interest, reportedly accounting for 13 filings.
Among the most prominent applicants are retired Group Captain Kamal Singh Oberh and TV personality Grandmaster Shifuji Shaurya Bhardwaj, both seeking to secure rights related to the operation’s name, the report added.
But the fascination extends well beyond film and television. Businesses from diverse sectors: spices, paints, plywood, fertilizers, confectionery, incense sticks, and apparel have also sought to link their products to the name.
Several spin-offs have surfaced as well, with registrations sought for related titles such as Mission Sindoor, Ceasefire Operation Sindoor, and Vijay Sindoor Defence Academy. In a particularly inventive twist, J&K Paints applied for a trademark under the phrase Sindoor with S-400 Protection.
The report outlined that historically, the term Sindoor itself has long enjoyed popularity in India’s trademark landscape. Over the decades, 244 applications have been filed using the word, of which 45 were successfully registered, 17 were abandoned, and 10 were met with objections or refusals. Traditionally linked to vermilion, Sindoor has now taken on a new dimension, infused with patriotic symbolism following the operation.
The ripple effect of Operation Sindoor has extended well beyond the battlefield, inspiring businesses across industries (from construction and food to tobacco and media) to align their brands with its resonance. A national television channel has even applied for a trademark titled Unshaken Salute to Sindoor across multiple classes.
In total, over 100 such applications connected to the term Sindoor are now under various stages of review. While many may be attempting to ride the wave of emotion and visibility generated by the military action, few are likely to succeed in securing ownership of a term so deeply tied to national sentiment and public policy.
Also Read: China Gave Pakistan Live Intel During Operation Sindoor, Says Top Indian General https://www.vibesofindia.com/china-gave-pakistan-live-intel-during-operation-sindoor-says-top-indian-general/
