Reliance Withdraws Operation Sindoor Trademark After Social Media Backlash

Reliance withdrew its trademark request for Operation Sindoor, stating a junior employee filed it without approvalAfter receiving severe criticism on social media, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has withdrawn a trademark application for the word “Operation Sindoor”. The application was filed by Jio Studios, an RIL content production portfolio, on May 7, the same day India launched a military operation with the same name against the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.The purpose of the trademark filing was to secure usage of the phrase within Class 41, which includes services in the sphere of education, entertainment, publishing, and language instruction. Yet, in less than 24 hours after applying, RIL withdrew the application and said that it was inadvertent and prepared by a junior employee without being appropriately authorised.Trademark Filing Sparks Outrage Amid National SentimentThe time when the application was made caused an adverse public reaction. Numerous users on social media accused the company of profiting from a military operation with national significance. ”Operation Sindoor” later became a symbol of national pride after India’s armed forces retaliated to the Pakistan-backed attack on civilians.The Ministry of Commerce and Industry controls trademark registrations through the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks. So far, six entities have tried to register this term, with five being persons and RIL. Only Reliance has withdrawn its application officially.In its official statement, RIL said that it has no intention of claiming rights over the term and has shown support for the Indian armed forces. According to the company, it highly appreciates the importance of Operation Sindoor and is sincere in its regret at the filing. It restated that the application was not approved or authorized at any high level in the organization.Reliance Praises Forces but Skips Trademark IssueLater the same day, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of RIL, made a statement stating that he had to credit a military operation that formed the underpinning of Operation Sindoor. He lauded the armed forces for the quick, brave move. However, Ambani did not mention the trademark controversy in his comments.He said the Reliance group fully supports India’s armed forces and is averse to national divide. Though this withdrawal of application may clear the legal issue, the company has not commented further about whether or not internal measures will follow the occurrence.The case highlights sensitivities related to commercializing words of national security and public sentiment. It also highlights the need for closer oversight in corporate trademark filings, especially during highly lucid national events.The post Reliance Withdraws Operation Sindoor Trademark After Social Media Backlash appeared first on ICO Desk.