Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain, has officially secured approval to trademark the moniker "Captain Cool," a nickname that has long been associated with his calm and composed leadership on the field. Dhoni is seeking exclusive rights to use the "Captain Cool" trademark for services related to sports coaching, training, and the provision of sports facilities. According to the Trade Marks Registry portal, the application has been accepted and advertised, with the trademark officially published in the journal on June 16, 2025. The application was initially filed on June 5, 2025.
The proposed trademark falls under the category for sports training, the provision of sports training facilities, sports coaching, and related services. While Dhoni himself has not yet commented on the development, his lawyer, Mansi Aggarwal, highlighted the significance of this move in the context of evolving personality rights and the establishment of distinctiveness to overcome potential grounds for refusal.
Aggarwal explained that the legal team successfully argued that "Captain Cool" has a clear and unique connection to MS Dhoni. The nickname has been widely used by fans and the media for many years and has become an integral part of Dhoni's public identity. The lawyer emphasized that the phrase has acquired a distinct secondary meaning through its long-standing and widespread association with Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian national cricket team. Furthermore, she stated that because the mark would be used for sports and entertainment services, there was little chance of confusion.
The Trade Marks Registry agreed that the nickname is more than just a catchy phrase; it is an essential aspect of Dhoni's commercial image. His reputation as "Captain Cool" has been built over many years and is well-known among cricket enthusiasts. This case highlights how celebrities and public figures can leverage personal branding and the power of a unique identity to protect their image in the business world.
Interestingly, another entity, Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Pvt Ltd, had previously applied for the same trademark. However, their application currently has a status of "rectification filed," indicating unresolved issues or objections in the process.
This trademark news coincides with Dhoni's recent induction into the ICC Hall of Fame for 2025. He joins an elite group of cricketers, including Australia's Matthew Hayden and South Africa's Hashim Amla. The ICC praised Dhoni for his "extraordinary consistency, fitness, and longevity". The ICC statement further celebrated Dhoni's legacy as one of the game's greatest finishers, leaders, and wicketkeepers, noting his calm demeanor under pressure and unmatched tactical acumen, as well as his role as a trailblazer in the shorter formats of the game.
