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MS Dhoni moves to trademark his iconic nickname 'Captain Cool'

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Mahendra Singh Dhoni has officially moved to trademark ‘ Captain Cool’, the nickname fans have fondly used for years to describe his calm and composed leadership style.

The former India captain is seeking exclusive rights to use the moniker for services including sports coaching, training, and related facilities. According to the Trade Marks Registry portal, his application has now been accepted and advertised. The trademark was published in the official journal on June 16, 2025.

“Delighted to share a recent development from the field of trademark law that underscores the evolving role of personality rights and acquired distinctiveness in overcoming relative grounds for refusal,” Dhoni’s lawyer, Mansi Aggarwal, told India Today.

However, the road to registration wasn’t without challenges. Dhoni’s initial application faced objections under Section 11(1) of the Trade Marks Act, with the Registry raising concerns that the phrase could cause confusion due to the presence of a similar mark.

But Dhoni’s legal team successfully argued that ‘Captain Cool’ has a strong and exclusive association with him. They cited the nickname’s long-standing use by fans and the media, asserting that it has become an integral part of Dhoni’s public persona.

“The phrase ‘Captain Cool’ has acquired a distinct secondary meaning through widespread and sustained association with Mr Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian national cricket team,” said Aggarwal.

Fight for ‘Captain Cool’
Interestingly, the phrase had previously been applied for by another entity—Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Pvt Ltd. However, that application currently shows a status of ‘rectification filed’, indicating unresolved issues or objections in the process.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, MS Dhoni was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame for 2025, joining an elite group of cricketers that includes Australia’s Matthew Hayden and South Africa’s Hashim Amla.

In its official statement, the ICC praised Dhoni not just for his impressive numbers, but for his “extraordinary consistency, fitness, and longevity.”

“Celebrated for his calm under pressure and unmatched tactical nous, but also a trailblazer in the shorter formats, MS Dhoni's legacy as one of the game’s greatest finishers, leaders, and wicketkeepers has been honoured with his induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame,” the statement read.
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