Reliance Withdraws Trademark Bid for ‘Operation Sindoor’, Calls Filing Unauthorised

New Delhi: Reliance Industries has retracted its trademark application for the phrase ‘Operation Sindoor’, clarifying that the filing was made in error by a junior employee without official approval.

In an official statement, the company said, “Reliance Industries has no intention to trademark Operation Sindoor, a phrase that has come to embody Indian courage and sacrifice.” The statement added that Jio Studios, a Reliance subsidiary, had withdrawn the application, which had been “inadvertently filed by a junior person without authorisation.”

The company reaffirmed its respect for the Indian Armed Forces and expressed solidarity with the government, stating, “Reliance Industries and all its stakeholders are incredibly proud of Operation Sindoor, which came in the wake of a Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam. This operation marks a significant milestone in India’s resolute stand against terrorism. Our commitment to the principle of ‘INDIA FIRST’ is absolute.”

WHY WAS A TRADEMARK FILED?

The trademark for Operation Sindoor was filed on May 7 under Class 41 of the Nice Classification — a category that covers services like films, shows, digital content, educational material, and cultural programming. This class is typically used by content creators such as OTT platforms and film producers. Jio Studios was the first to submit a trademark request that day. Other applicants included a Mumbai resident, a retired Air Force officer, and a lawyer from Delhi.

WHAT IS ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’?
Operation Sindoor refers to India’s recent military retaliation against Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The term has swiftly gained prominence, becoming a powerful national symbol of patriotism and military valor.