In May 2025, several individuals, including Reliance Industries, filed trademark applications for "Operation Sindoor" following India's military strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.
However, Reliance withdrew its application, stating it was filed mistakenly by a junior employee without authorization.
Other applicants, such as a Mumbai industrialist, a retired Air Force officer, and a Delhi-based advocate, sought the trademark for various entertainment purposes like film and web series production.
Additionally, two more applications came from individuals in Kochi and Surat, seeking the trademark for scientific products and entertainment services.
Legal experts pointed out that the 'first-to-use' principle in Indian trademark law could affect the claims, especially since the trademarks are filed on a "proposed to be used" basis.
Trademark protection may not apply if it causes confusion or is misleading. The controversy has raised questions about the commercialization of national symbols related to military operations.
