MS Dhoni’s trademark application for ‘Captain Cool’ moves ahead

MS Dhoni’s bid to secure exclusive rights over the iconic moniker ‘Captain Cool’ has taken a significant step forward. The former India captain’s trademark application for the phrase — widely associated with his calm and composed demeanour on the field — has officially been accepted and published by the Trademark Registry of India. This acceptance, dated June 16, 2025, opens a 120-day window during which third parties can file objections or oppositions. If none are raised, Dhoni will be officially granted the trademark.

The trademark application, originally filed in June 2023, falls under categories related to sports training, coaching, and the provision of sports-related facilities and services. However, Dhoni’s path to securing the title wasn’t straightforward. When he first filed the application, the registry flagged a pre-existing trademark held by Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Private Limited for the same term. In response, Dhoni submitted a rectification petition, alleging that the company was attempting to exploit his personal brand and the popularity of the phrase ‘Captain Cool’, which has become synonymous with his legacy in Indian cricket.

"This is a case of bad faith registration on the part of the company, aimed at deceiving the public and unlawfully enriching themselves by trading on the name of a well-known individual," former Indian captain MS Dhoni stated in his application. 

MS Dhoni’s trademark application for the phrase ‘Captain Cool’ was accepted by the Trademark Registry of India after a lengthy legal process that involved at least four hearings. The moniker, synonymous with Dhoni’s composed leadership style and enduring legacy in Indian cricket, was contested due to a prior registration by another entity. However, following a rectification petition and multiple rounds of hearings, Dhoni’s claim to the phrase was finally acknowledged, and the application was accepted and published on June 16, 2025. The final approval now hinges on whether any objections are raised within a 120-day window.

On the cricketing front, Dhoni was last seen during the IPL 2025 season, where he made a brief but notable return to captaincy. He stepped in as the Chennai Super Kings’ skipper midway through the tournament after Ruturaj Gaikwad sustained an injury. Unfortunately for Dhoni and the franchise, it was a season to forget. The Super Kings, one of the most consistent teams in IPL history, endured a shocking campaign, finishing at the bottom of the points table for the first time in their 16-season history.