MS Dhoni Moves to Trademark ‘Captain Cool’: What It Means in Legal Terms
July 1, 2025
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, one of India’s most iconic cricket captains, is taking a strategic step to legally own the title he has long been celebrated by “Captain Cool.” Known for his calm and composed leadership style, especially in high-pressure situations, Dhoni has now moved to formally register the phrase as a trademark in India.
The Trademark Filing
The trademark application for “Captain Cool” was filed in June 2023 and has been officially “accepted and advertised” by the Trademarks Registry, Kolkata Office as of June 2025. The mark was published in the official Trademarks Journal on June 16, 2025, triggering a statutory 120-day window during which any third party can file an opposition.
If no opposition is filed by the deadline, the mark will proceed to registration, granting Dhoni exclusive commercial rights to use the name “Captain Cool” in connection with services specified in the application.
Class 41: The Scope of Protection
Dhoni’s trademark application has been filed under Class 41 of the NICE Classification system. This class covers a wide range of services related to:
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Education
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Training
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Entertainment
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Sporting and cultural activities
In Dhoni’s case, the trademark is being registered for areas relating specifically to sports training and coaching, giving him exclusive branding rights in these domains.
This means that once registered, no individual, company, or organization can legally use “Captain Cool” for commercial purposes in the fields of sports, entertainment, or coaching without Dhoni’s authorization.
Why Celebrities Trademark Their Nicknames
It is becoming increasingly common for celebrities to seek trademark protection over names, slogans, or catchphrases associated with them. Trademarking nicknames serves several purposes:
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Brand Protection: It prevents unauthorized commercial use by others.
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Merchandising Rights: Enables exclusive licensing for branded merchandise (e.g., apparel, games, content).
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Legal Control: Offers a foundation to take action against impersonators or misleading advertising.
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Business Expansion: Helps in launching personal brands, academies, or production companies using the protected identity.
Dhoni’s move is aligned with global trends where sports icons like Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7), and Usain Bolt have all taken similar steps to protect their personal brands.
What Happens Next?
Following its publication in the Trademark Journal on June 16, 2025, the trademark is currently in the opposition phase. If no one files a formal opposition within the 120-day period, the trademark will be registered in Dhoni’s name.
Once registered, Dhoni can take legal action against any party attempting to use “Captain Cool” in a manner that creates confusion or implies an association with him without permission.
The Bigger Picture
This trademark move illustrates the intersection of personal branding and intellectual property law, especially in an era where athletes are not just sportspeople but also commercial influencers and brand ambassadors.
It also underscores the importance of IP awareness even among public figures and the need for businesses, content creators, and startups to be cautious when using celebrity-associated names or phrases in any commercial capacity.
With the potential grant of the “Captain Cool” trademark, MS Dhoni is not just protecting a nickname, he is securing a legacy. This legal move ensures that the calmness and charisma he brought to Indian cricket now remain an exclusive brand asset in the domains of sports training and entertainment.
Interested in trademarking your name, tagline, or business identity?
Reach out to IP Master for professional assistance in trademark search, filing, and protection.
Author: Siju Rajan
Registered Trademark agent
WhatsApp: +91 7012431293