Reliance seeks to cash in on Pak assault, retracts

Mumbai: In a bizarre move, the Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and three other individuals filed applications seeking to patent or trademark the name ‘Operation Sindoor’ – under which India has taken revenge for the April 22 Pahalgam carnage that claimed 26 innocent lives.

Following a public furore, the Mukesh Ambani-headed RIL on Thursday quickly withdrew its application while blaming a junior person for erroneously and unauthorizedly filing it.

Additionally, three other individuals have also filed similar applications to claim the term ‘Operation Sindoor’ – a retired Group Captain K. S. Oberh, Alok Kothari and M. C. Agarwal – as social media users poured their outrage over the development.

“RIL has no intention of trademarking ‘Operation Sindoor’, a phrase which is now a part of the national consciousness as an evocative symbol of Indian bravery. Jio Studios, a unit of Reliance Industries, has withdrawn its trademark application, which was filed inadvertently by a junior person without authorization,” said an official Spokesperson.

He added that RIL and all its stakeholders are incredibly proud of ‘Operation Sindoor’, which is an achievement of our brave Armed Forces in India's uncompromising fight against the evil of terrorism.

“RIL stands fully in support of our Government and Armed Forces in this fight against terrorism. Our commitment to the motto of 'INDIA FIRST' remains unwavering,” said the company.

Withdraw application

The company today sent a letter to the effect, signed by an executive Rajesh Kumar S., withdrawing its application No.6994264 in Class 41 – without assigning any reasons - for trade-marking ‘Operation Sindoor’, to the Registrar of Trade Marks, Mumbai.

The four applications also figure prominently - RIL topping the list - on the Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s website, and many raised questions on social media how these came to be accepted in the first place.

Barely hours after the Armed Forces launched the ‘Operation Sindoor’, the RIL filed an application seeking to register the name for its ‘goods & services’ under Class 41 that covers entertainment and education services.

Many vent their ire on social media at the RIL, with some pointing accusing fingers at the company for allegedly attempting to cash in on the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ that has now become a household name in barely 24 hours.

Reliance says it was filed inadvertently

In a statement, Reliance said it has no intention of "trademarking Operation Sindoor. "Jio Studios, a unit of Reliance Industries, has withdrawn its trademark application, which was filed inadvertently by a junior person without authorisation," it said.

Earlier, four applications, including one by Reliance, were filed with the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks on Wednesday, seeking to use the phrase for entertainment-related services like audio and video content.

All four applicants filed between 10.42 am and 6.27 pm on May 7 for registration under Class 41 of the Nice Classification, which includes education and training services, film and media production, live performances and events, digital content delivery and publishing, and cultural and sporting activities.

This category is often used by OTT platforms, production houses, broadcasters, and event companies, suggesting that 'Operation Sindoor' could have become a film title, web series or documentary brand.

"The Reliance family is ready to support any measure in protecting our nation's unity and integrity. We like our fellow Indians believe – India seeks peace, but not at the cost of its pride, security or sovereignty."

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries