INTRODUCTION
On 10th May a PIL is filled in the supreme court asking to stop the trademark registration for ‘Operation Sindoor’ the petitioner says that it is a national sacrifice and must not be used or seen merely as a profit making logo.
On May 7, 2025, India carried out ‘Operation Sindoor’ a series of precision missile strikes aimed at terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan administered Kashmir and multiple sites across Pakistan. The operation was a direct retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of several Indian tourists.
May 7th marked the launch of Operation Sindoor and people started applying for the word mark on the very same date. It is ironic how on one side army is gathering writing ‘last letters’ to their family, giving their lives for operation Sindoor and how on the other side people are seeing it merely as word which will be profitable.
‘OPERATION SINDOOR’- A MERE TRADEMARK?
The four applications received for the trademark registration are filled under class 41 of the Nice Classification, which encompasses:
· Education and training services
· Film and media production
· Live performances and events
· Digital content delivery and publishing
· Cultural and sporting activities
This category is frequently used by the OTT platforms to produce web series/ films.
The fact that each trademark application is marked as ‘proposed to be used’ indicates that it might be used for the commercial purpose, are we expecting a film/ a show of the emotions of the people, of the sacrifice of the nation.
The PIL also highlights that allowing such a trademark goes against Section 9(2) and 11 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. This section does not allow the registration of any trademark that is against public morality, hurts public feelings, or is misleading. ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’ is not just a word it is a symbol of sacrifice, patriotism, and emotional unity.
‘OPERATION SINDOOR’ is not just a trademark!
‘Operation Sindoor’ refers to a recent Indian cross-border military strike that garnered national attention. The name has swiftly gained symbolic weight, with “Sindoor” evoking deep-rooted Indian ideals of sacrifice and bravery.
The Petitioner who filed the PIL against the trademark of “Operation Sindoor” said that allowing this would not only hurt the feelings of the countryman but also of martyrs, the women who lost their husbands in the Pahalgam attack and left behind, the children, the family of the people who died in the Pahalgam attack, it is not just a registration of a word mark it is a registration of their feelings, of the memories, of the loses.
CONCLUSION
There is no automatic prohibition on registration of such terms unless challenged by the government or other parties. Though several applications are withdrawn the PIL stands firm seeking justice for the public emotions and the martyrs. ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’ is not just a trademark, it is the nation’s emotion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nitya Jain is a law student at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, and an emerging legal writer with a keen interest in constitutional and contract law. Backed by a strong academic foundation, she actively engages with contemporary legal issues through research, writing, and participation in moot court competitions. A certified legal researcher by Manupatra, Nitya aims to contribute valuable insights on pressing legal matters through her work.