The Trademark Registry of India has officially accepted and published MS Dhoni’s application to trademark the phrase ‘Captain Cool’ – a moniker long associated with him because of his calm on-field demeanour.
The application was officially filed online on June 5 through the Trade Marks Registry portal, signaling Dhoni’s intention to gain exclusive rights over the widely recognized nickname that has become synonymous with his legacy in the cricketing world. His application was accepted on June 16.
The trademark will be granted if no objection or opposition is raised by any third party within 120 days of its acceptance (June 16). The trademark was filed under categories related to sports training, coaching, and the provision of sports training facilities and services, ESPNcricinfo reports.
“Delighted to share a recent development from the field of trademark law that underscores the evolving role of personality rights and acquired distinctiveness in overcoming relative grounds for refusal,” Dhoni’s lawyer, Mansi Aggarwal, told India Today.
Dhoni had filed the application in June 2023. He was informed at the time by the registry that another company, Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Private Limited, had already registered the trademark ‘Captain Cool’. In response, Dhoni filed a rectification petition for the cited mark, alleging that the company was attempting to exploit his brand and the popularity of the term.
In his application, Dhoni stated: “This is a case of bad faith registration on the part of the company, aimed at deceiving the public and unlawfully enriching themselves by trading on the name of a well-known individual.” Dhoni’s application was accepted after at least four hearings.
The Registry acknowledged that the nickname holds more significance than simply being a catchy phrase — it plays a key role in Dhoni’s commercial persona. His association with the title ‘Captain Cool’ has been long-standing and is widely recognized among cricket fans.
Dhoni will turn 44 this July.
