Filmmakers, Reliance Rush to Trademark 'Operation Sindoor'; Reliance Withdraws
Hours after India's military strikes codenamed 'Operation Sindoor', a scramble began to secure the name as a trademark for potential films or other ventures. At least six applications, including one by Reliance Industries (Jio Studios) and others by filmmakers like Madhur Bhandarkar and studios like T-Series, were filed. However, Reliance later withdrew its application, stating it was filed "inadvertently by a junior person without authorisation."
Unpacked:
Operation Sindoor was a series of Indian military strikes launched on May 7, 2025, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The action was a response to the killing of Indian civilians in Pahalgam on April 22 and aimed to destroy terror groups and shift India's counter-terror strategy.
Filmmakers and companies often rush to trademark names of major national events or military operations to secure exclusive rights for films, web series, or merchandise. Such events can inspire commercially successful stories, making the rights to the name valuable for future projects.
The operation led to the destruction of multiple terror camps and over 100 terrorists killed. It triggered intense cross-border missile and drone strikes, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan for four days, until a ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10, 2025.
Reliance Industries (Jio Studios) stated that the trademark application was filed "inadvertently by a junior person without authorisation." Upon realizing the mistake, the company withdrew its application, possibly to avoid controversy or legal complications.