Reliance seeks to trademark ‘Operation Sindoor’ in media push

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries moved to trademark the term ‘Operation Sindoor,’ the codename of India’s military offensive against terrorist camps in Pakistan this week.

The application, filed with the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks on Wednesday, sought to use the phrase for a wide range of entertainment-related services, including audio and video content.

‘Operation Sindoor’ marks India’s retaliation to a terrorist strike that killed 26 civilians, and obtaining the trademark is part of Reliance’s effort to capitalize on the term that resonates with the country’s 1.4 billion people. Reliance Jio, the country’s top phone carrier, provides video and other digital content to its more than 465 million subscribers.

The application also sought to use the phrase for services such as “discussion forums; non-downloadable electronic publications; organization, production, and presentation of shows, competitions, games, concerts, exhibitions, and events; language teaching; and provision of information and advisory services related to the aforementioned areas.”

A representative of Reliance declined to comment.

Ambani, speaking at a public event last week, said India’s media and entertainment industry had the potential to easily grow fivefold to over $100 billion in the next decade.

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Published on May 8, 2025