Opposition to MS Dhoni’s ‘Captain Cool’ Trademark Argues Fame Alone Can’t Secure Generic Phrase

Let’s delve into the details. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, also known as “Captain Cool,” is currently facing a legal dilemma regarding his attempt to trademark his nickname. out, a law firm called KAnalysis Attorneys (fancy name, right?) is calling foul on his attempt.

What is their primary objection? “Captain Cool” is just too generic. For example, it’s not as if Dhoni invented the idea of being calm on the field. Apparently, being a cricket superstar doesn’t grant you exclusive rights to phrases commonly used by other composed athletes.

Dhoni put in his trademark application back in June 2023, and by June 2025 the Kolkata Trademarks Registry had published it, kicking off a four-month window for anyone to shout “Objection!” And yeah, KAnalysis—repping this lawyer named Ashutosh Choudhary—jumped in right away.

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First up, they’re side-eyeing how Dhoni switched his application from “planning to use” to claiming he’s been using “Captain Cool” since 2008. The catch? There’s apparently zero paperwork—no affidavits, receipts, ads, nothing—to back up that he’s actually been using it for all those years, especially in the context of sports training and entertainment (that’s what’s in Class 41 for you trademark nerds).

However, the analysis suggests that “Captain Cool” lacks distinctiveness. It’s not some magic word tied only to Dhoni. If Dhoni gets a monopoly on this, where does it end? Next thing you know, someone’s trademarking “GOAT” or “The Wall” or whatever.

The law firm is essentially stating, “Let’s not start that mess in India.” They’ve also called out the Registry for apparently rubber-stamping Dhoni’s application without clearing up previous trademark conflicts, which, if true, is kind of sketchy. Conversely, Dhoni’s legal team asserts that ‘Captain Cool’ is synonymous with Dhoni. The media, the fans—it’s practically his middle name.”

But KAnalysis isn’t buying that hype. They’re sticking to the rules: fame doesn’t trump the basic requirements for a trademark. You need to prove real, unique use, not just bask in the glow of stardom. So now it’s off to the trademark wrestling ring—er, opposition proceedings. Dhoni needs to present his perspective and possibly provide some evidence, followed by hearings before the Registrar.

Regardless of the outcome of this dispute, it will establish the standard for India’s handling of celebrity nicknames and other commonly used phrases.eks; this one could actually matter.