Should ‘Operation Sindoor’ Be Trademarked for Commercial Use?

 A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court of India seeking to bar the registration of ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a trademark, citing concerns over the commercial misuse of a sensitive military operation’s name linked to India’s ongoing anti-terror actions.

The PIL, filed by Dev Ashish Dubey, seeks to restrain four applicants from proceeding with their trademark applications filed under Class 41—which covers education and entertainment services—with various regional Trademark Registries.

Applicants Who Filed for Trademark on ‘Operation Sindoor’

1. Mukesh Chetram Agrawal (Mumbai)
2. Group Captain Kamal Singh Obreh (Retd) (Jammu & Kashmir)
3. Alok Kothari (Delhi)
4. Jayraj T (Kerala)
5. Uttam (Gujarat)

Trademark applications were filed at New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad registries.

Petitioner’s Argument

The petitioner argues that the name “Operation Sindoor,” given to the Indian military’s operation against terror infrastructure in Pakistan, is deeply symbolic and connected to national sentiment—especially in light of the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians.

“The operation involves the emotions of not only the countrymen but also of those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation,” the plea states.

It argues that permitting the trademarking of “Operation Sindoor” for commercial or entertainment purposes would amount to exploiting public emotion and dishonouring the sacrifice of soldiers.

Legal Basis

The petition contends that the trademark applications violate Section 9 of the Trademarks Act, 1999, which disallows registration of marks that are deceptive, scandalous, or contrary to public order and morality.

“The said name cannot be allowed to be registered as it conflicts with the public interest and sentiments,” the plea reads.

Reliance Industries’ Withdrawal

The PIL also references a recent controversy involving Reliance Industries, which had filed a similar application seeking registration of “Operation Sindoor” as a word mark. After facing public backlash, the company issued a statement saying the application was mistakenly filed by a junior employee and was subsequently withdrawn.

Reliefs Sought

The petitioner has requested the following directions from the Supreme Court:

• A writ of mandamus restraining the Trademark Registries (Respondents 6 to 9) from registering the mark “Operation Sindoor” under any application made by Respondents 10 to 14.
  
• A direction to the Registries to remove all such applications already filed using the said name.

Case Title: Dev Ashish Dubey v. Union of India & Ors

Filed In: Supreme Court of India

Relief Sought: Ban and removal of all trademark applications for “Operation Sindoor”