Reliance Industries Limited, a major conglomerate based in Maharashtra, India, has officially withdrawn its trademark application for “Operation Sindoor” following public and political backlash. The company clarified on May 8, 2025, that the application was mistakenly filed by an unauthorised junior employee and emphasized its respect for India’s armed forces and Operation Sindoor’s symbolic value in the nation’s anti-terrorism stance.
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), a diversified Indian conglomerate headquartered in Maharashtra, announced on May 8, 2025, that it has officially withdrawn its trademark application for the phrase “Operation Sindoor.”
The company, in a formal statement, clarified that the trademark request was “filed inadvertently by a junior person without authorization” and reiterated that it had no intention of trademarking a phrase that resonates deeply with India’s patriotic sentiment.
Operation Sindoor refers to India’s recent joint military operation conducted on May 7, 2025, which targeted nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were carried out in retaliation to a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Jio Studios, a media and entertainment subsidiary of Reliance, had filed the trademark application under Class 41 on the same day the military action took place. Class 41 generally pertains to education, entertainment, and media-related services.
In its public statement, Reliance emphasized its unwavering support for the Indian government and armed forces, calling the operation “a proud achievement” in the nation’s fight against terrorism. The company further stated, “Our commitment to the motto of ‘INDIA FIRST’ remains unwavering.”
The filing had sparked criticism and confusion earlier in the day, raising questions about the corporate appropriation of a sensitive national security term. By withdrawing the application, Reliance aimed to distance itself from any perception of profiteering on the back of a military operation.
This clarification underscores the importance of handling national sentiment with care, especially when it involves acts of valor and sacrifice by India’s armed forces.
