New Delhi, July 1, 2025 — Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s bid to trademark the moniker “Captain Cool” for use in the fields of entertainment and sports has cleared a key regulatory milestone, with the Trade Marks Registry formally accepting his application and publishing it in the Trade Marks Journal on June 16, 2025.
If no opposition is filed within the statutory four-month window ending in mid-October 2025, Dhoni will be granted exclusive rights over the phrase “Captain Cool” for services falling under Class 41, which includes education, coaching, sporting events, and other cultural activities.
Background
Dhoni filed the trademark application in June 2023, aiming to secure protection for the phrase “Captain Cool,” a sobriquet widely associated with his calm demeanor as a cricket leader. However, the application initially faced resistance from the Registry under Section 11(1) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, due to a prior registration of the same mark by Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Private Limited for gaming services within the same class.
Registry Proceedings
During a hearing under Rule 115 of the Trade Marks Rules, Dhoni’s legal counsel argued that “Captain Cool” had become uniquely linked to Dhoni’s public persona, especially in the context of cricket and popular culture. Accepting these submissions, the Senior Examiner of Trade Marks acknowledged that the phrase had acquired a distinct secondary meaning, symbolizing Dhoni’s identity and legacy.
The Registry concluded that the use of the mark by Dhoni would not mislead the public or infringe on existing trademarks, and consequently waived the objection.
Legal Implications
Following acceptance, the mark was advertised for public scrutiny under Section 20(1) of the Trade Marks Act. A four-month opposition period is now in effect, allowing third parties to challenge the registration if they believe it conflicts with existing rights or may cause confusion in the market.
If no opposition is raised within this timeframe, Dhoni will be entitled to exclusive statutory protection of the “Captain Cool” trademark across entertainment and sports-related domains.
Implications
The development underscores the growing significance of personal branding in sports and the role of intellectual property law in protecting the commercial identity of public figures. If successful, the registration will further solidify Dhoni’s control over his brand and open doors for exclusive licensing and merchandising opportunities tied to the iconic title “Captain Cool.”