Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s attempt to trademark the nickname “Captain Cool” has come under legal scrutiny. The law firm KAnalysis Attorneys at Law has formally filed an opposition to Dhoni’s application, citing multiple procedural lapses, lack of proof of prior usage, and the generic nature of the term.
Dhoni’s application, originally filed in June 2023, was “accepted and advertised” by the Kolkata Office of the Trademarks Registry in June 2025. The mark was officially published in the Trademarks Journal on June 16, 2025. According to protocol, any party wishing to oppose it must do so within 120 days of publication.
What are the allegations?
In a detailed press release, the firm questioned the basis on which the Registry accepted Dhoni’s application. Advocate Nilanshu Shekhar, leading the opposition, stated that Dhoni had initially filed the trademark on a “proposed to be used” basis. It was later amended to claim use since 2008 allegedly without submitting the required supporting evidence such as affidavits, invoices, or advertising materials.
The firm argued that no commercial documentation was provided to establish that the term “Captain Cool” was being used in connection with Dhoni’s ventures in Class 41, which includes education, sports training, and entertainment services.
‘Captain Cool’ term generic
The opposition further claims that “Captain Cool” is a widely known, descriptive term in the sporting world and not inherently unique to Dhoni. “It has been used for various players long before it became popularly associated with Dhoni,” the press release asserted.
Because of its generic and laudatory nature, the firm argues, it lacks the distinctiveness required for trademark protection especially without evidence of acquired secondary meaning.
Additionally, the law firm pointed out unresolved citations of prior trademarks that were allegedly overlooked during examination. The Trademarks Registry also failed to serve rectification notices, a mandatory step before accepting a potentially conflicting application.
If no further objections are filed by the end of the 120-day window (ending mid-October), and this opposition is resolved in Dhoni’s favour, the trademark may still be granted. However, this challenge may delay or derail the process.
