Why MS Dhoni's 'Captain Cool' Trademark Application is Making Waves
Dhoni Seeks Trademark for 'Captain Cool'
New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has taken steps to trademark the phrase 'CAPTAIN COOL', a nickname that reflects his composed demeanor on the field.
As per the Trade Marks Registry, the status of this application is currently 'accepted and advertised', having been published in the official trademark journal on June 16. The application itself was submitted on June 5, 2023.
This trademark is categorized under sports training, which includes providing sports coaching and training facilities.
Dhoni has not yet commented on this development.
Interestingly, a different entity, Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Pvt Ltd, had previously submitted a similar trademark application, but its status is currently marked as 'rectification filed'.
Earlier this month, Dhoni was honored with induction into the ICC Hall of Fame for 2025, alongside seven other cricketers, including the legendary Matthew Hayden from Australia and South Africa's Hashim Amla. The ICC recognized Dhoni for his impressive statistics as well as his 'extraordinary consistency, fitness, and longevity'.
The ICC's statement praised Dhoni for his calmness under pressure and exceptional tactical skills, highlighting his legacy as one of the finest finishers, leaders, and wicketkeepers in cricket history.
Regarding the trademark application, Nilanshu Shekhar, a founding partner at KAnalysis law firm, explained that a four-month period begins from the publication date—June 16, 2025—during which any party believing that the new trademark infringes on their rights can file an opposition.
This process allows for objections to be raised before the trademark is officially registered. If no opposition is filed by October 15, 2025, the trademark will proceed to registration.
Shekhar noted that if an opposition is raised, it leads to a legal dispute requiring a response from the applicant.
A decision will then be made by the Trademark Office, ensuring that trademarks are granted fairly and do not conflict with existing rights.
In India, the trademark registration process begins with an application to the Trademark Office, which first checks the application for proper format before examining its merits. This includes assessing whether the mark is clear, distinctive, and not overly similar to existing trademarks.
If any issues arise, the applicant is invited to address them, and once resolved, the trademark is accepted and published in the official Trade Marks Journal, serving as a public notice.