Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s move to trademark the nickname “Captain Cool” has hit a legal hurdle. A Delhi-based law firm, KAnalysis Attorneys at Law, has officially opposed his application before the Indian Trade Marks Registry.
Trademark Application Under Fire
Dhoni filed the application for “Captain Cool” under Class 41, which includes entertainment, sports training, and cultural activities. The application was initially submitted on June 5, 2023, and it was advertised in the Trade Marks Journal on June 16, 2025.
However, within the legal window of 120 days, the law firm filed an opposition under Section 21 of the Indian Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Grounds for Opposition
The opposition is based on four major grounds:
- Procedural Irregularities:
The application was first filed as “proposed to be used” but later amended to claim use since 2008. According to the law firm, Dhoni’s team failed to provide documentary proof such as invoices, promotional material, or usage evidence. - Lack of Commercial Evidence:
The law firm alleges that Dhoni has not demonstrated any actual commercial use of the term “Captain Cool” for services under Class 41. - Generic Nature of the Phrase:
The term “Captain Cool” is widely used in the sporting world. The opposition argues that it is descriptive and not distinctive, even citing other athletes like Arjuna Ranatunga who were referred to by similar names in the past. - Improper Acceptance by Registry:
The firm questions the trademark registry’s decision to accept the application without issuing required rectification notices and despite unresolved prior entries.
What Lies Ahead?
This legal challenge now triggers formal proceedings. Both parties will need to submit evidence, arguments, and attend hearings. If Dhoni cannot prove the distinctiveness and commercial use of “Captain Cool,” the application may be rejected.
On the other hand, if the opposition fails or is withdrawn, Dhoni could receive exclusive rights over the nickname.
Background and Branding Potential
MS Dhoni is widely known by the nickname “Captain Cool” due to his calm demeanor during high-pressure matches. Fans have long associated the term with him. Securing the trademark would enable Dhoni to use it for merchandise, sports academies, media projects, and more.
The move is seen as part of a broader trend among celebrities to monetize their personal brands. Examples include Michael Jordan’s “Air Jordan” and Cristiano Ronaldo’s “CR7”.
Conclusion
While Dhoni’s “Captain Cool” tag is beloved by fans, the current legal dispute highlights the complexities of celebrity nickname trademarks. For the trademark to succeed, Dhoni must now convince the registry that “Captain Cool” is uniquely associated with him in a commercial sense.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and legal filings. It does not constitute legal advice. All opinions and interpretations expressed herein are for informational purposes only.