New Delhi
Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has taken formal steps to secure exclusive rights over his iconic nickname, “Captain Cool.” Known for his unflappable composure under pressure, Dhoni recently filed a trademark application for the title, aiming to establish legal ownership in fields related to sports and entertainment.
The application was filed in June 2023 under Class 41 of the Trademarks Act, a category that includes services related to education, training, entertainment, sporting, and cultural activities. It was officially “accepted and advertised” by the Trademarks Registry, Kolkata Office, in June 2025 and published in the trademark journal on June 16, 2025, to invite objections from the public.
According to the process, if no objection or opposition is raised within 120 days from the publication date, the trademark will be officially granted. Once approved, Dhoni will hold the exclusive commercial rights to use “Captain Cool” in contexts such as sports coaching, athletic training, and other entertainment-related ventures.
The move is seen as Dhoni’s effort to consolidate his brand identity beyond the cricket field. The title “Captain Cool” has become synonymous with Dhoni’s leadership style during his illustrious career, which includes leading India to three major ICC titles. If successful, this trademark will prevent others from using “Captain Cool” in the same business categories, reinforcing Dhoni’s legacy in the sporting world and protecting his brand for future commercial use in sports-related enterprises.
