A Delhi -based lawyer, Ashutosh Chaudhary, and Law firm Kanalis lawyers have opposed MS Dhoni’s attempt to block the attempt to trademark the prestigious title “Captain Cool” in the law, a millions of cricket fans have been associated with veteran Indian captain for years.
MS Dhoni recently filed a phrase under class 41 for services related to education, entertainment, sports and training, and even his application was accepted and published by the Trademark Registry on 16 June 2025. Publication opened a 120-day window for public objections.
MS Dhoni’s ‘Captain Cool’ trademark killed by legal block on public use claims
Ashutosh Chaudhary has argued that the word “Captain Cool” is very common and is widely claimed by any single person, even famous as MS Dhoni. The lawyer believes that this phrase has been a part of public sports culture for a long time and is used for many athletes, known for their cool leadership, not only for mythological Indian wicketkeeper-betters.
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The lawyer argued that Dhoni’s position as a cricket icon could not give him special rights for a phrase that lacks uniqueness. Chaudhary insisted that the surname does not have uniqueness under the Trademark Act and fails to meet the legal requirements set by the Trademark Act, 1999.
‘Term’ Captain Cool ‘is a common and admirable expression.
It is written in the notice, as reported by the bar and bench: “It is a deliberate and garland attempted to ignore objections raised during several hearing. The word ‘Captain Cool’ is a common, admirable expression that has been used for many players. It cannot be monopolized by anyone, whether it is a monopoly or public expression.”
Meanwhile, the law firm and Chaudhary questioned how the Trade Marx Registry handled the process. Notice said that the registry sent several hearing notices before accepting the application and claimed that Dhoni’s team added the “pre -use” argument to the process too late, without any formal approval.
He also argued that no rule in the Trade Marx Act allows to change the important details of an application during the examination phase. He further claimed that MS Dhoni’s side has not given any real evidence to return his claim that the phrase “Captain Cool” is firmly associated with his brand.
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Notice says that ‘person is not a source of legal right’
The legal battle on the famous surname continues, as there is no evidence of the phrase of actively use or promoted in relation to sports training services in public domains.
The notice stated, “A person is not a source of legal rights unless it is supported by actual commercial use and compliance with statutory norms. Popularity alone does not satisfy the legal limit.” On the other hand, the law firm said, “The application was originally filed on a ‘proposed to be proposed to be proposed’ and was later amended to use since 2008 – without any subsidiary affidavits or commercial evidence such as invoices, advertising, or user data.”
Trademark Registry asked MS Dhoni to reject trademark request
The rival also stated that MS Dhoni’s team claims that the phrase has become specific, but they have not presented any real evidence such as advertising, brand promotion, or public recognition, showing that it is known for offering sports or training services.
He asked the Trademark Registry to reject Dhoni’s trademark request and to save the system from allowing individuals claims claimed by individuals.
The notice concluded, “Accordingly, no ownership rights or uniqueness can be claimed on such a general phrase, and any attempt to do so is legally unstable and contrary to the basic principles of the trademark law.”
