Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the renowned former leader of the Indian cricket team, is synonymous with calmness and steadiness. For all of his tenure, fans and commentators have referred to him as “Captain Cool”.
But now, Dhoni is attempting to take the great nickname a step further. He has filed an application to trademark the name, as a popular nickname is now a legal brand.
This move is simply the next logical step in Dhoni’s process to take sole ownership of the name “Captain Cool” for commercial purposes.
It is a way for Dhoni to protect his persona and ensure no one else can benefit from the name he helped build. His application is already moving quickly, already indicating he is serious about doing so.
Why the Name Has Fitting
In truth, the nickname wasn’t awarded without some context. It grew from observing Dhoni maintain incredible levels of composure in both the most stressful of scenarios on cricket’s stage. From the final over of critical matches to the abrupt changes in match conditions, Dhoni was equal parts calm and unflappable. This calmness illustrated his ability to think rationally and to make decisions that generally resulted in India’s success as a cricketing nation.
His record as a captain speaks for itself. Dhoni is the only captain to win the major three ICC trophies:
∙ The T20 World Cup in 2007
∙ The 50-over Cricket World Cup in 2011
∙ The Champions Trophy in 2013
These titles, among numerous memorable finishes in tough matches made him legendary. “Captain Cool” was a perfect representation, a description of Dhoni as a captain and a cricketer, and which would be recognized by the entire cricketing world.
The Road to a Nickname
Obtaining a trademark can be a formal process. Dhoni’s application for “Captain Cool”, had already taken the first step since the Trade Marks Registry accepted his application for “Captain Cool”, and published it in their journal on June 16, 2025. This means that the trademark office is now publicly stating that a request has been made to register the trademark “Captain Cool”
The second step is that there are now 4 months for a person to object. If an applicant has a genuine objection to the name for example if he or she hold rights over it, they may object by lodging a formal opposition. If no one objects by the middle of October, 2025, then the property owner rights will start in Dhoni’s name.
This will give Dhoni, through the registration with the Trade Marks Registry, exclusive rights to use the trademark “Captain Cool” in relation to the services that he listed in his application with the Trade Marks Registry, and for the service sectors recognised in Class 41, that is:
-Sports coaching & training
-Entertainment services
-Offering sports facilities.
A Small Obstacle in the process
There was a small hiccup in the process. The registry raised an objection because there was another Party who previously filed to use the same name.
Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Private Limited also applied with the exact name, causing a potential conflict.
However, Dhoni’s legal team put forward a strong case. They established that the public associates the name Captain Cool specifically with MS Dhoni.
The examiner also recognized this association and stated that “Captain Cool” had taken on a “secondary meaning” and that it was known as such, because of its long association with Dhoni, and was, indeed, famous.
The registry concluded that it was unlikely the public would be confused if Dhoni adopted the moniker, and removed the objection and approved the application.
What This Means For Dhoni’s Brand
Getting the trademark of “Captain Cool” is a good business decision, as it permits Dhoni to develop a brand around the name, which is now legally protected, allowing him to determine how the name is used, and block others from using it without his consent.
This creates many pathways to possible new business under the “Captain Cool” logo. He could create sports academies, sell branded sports clothes and gear, or even be a part of any digital platforms where cricket analysis, cricket games, cricket matches or cricket scores might pop up perhaps like a Cricmatch or Cricmatch365 in this strongly cricket-crazy country.
It would help him to preserve his legacy but giving him new avenues for business opportunities long after he has put away his bat and pads. Since Dhoni is own the name, all value will now accrue to him personally.
Following the Footsteps of Other Stars
Dhoni may not have been the first celebrity to trademark their name or phrase. He becomes a member of an ever-growing list of celebrities that really have changed their name into a trademark protected asset.
For example, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has trademarked his initials “SRK”, and the title of ‘King Khan’ as a trademark. Shifting to even the music industry, even proper names associated with cat names like, Taylor Swift trademarked her lyrics from her songs, but also, trademarked her cats names.
The implication of these actions indicates that in a world infused with social media and merchandise, a name or a nickname can be a reputation.
By trademarking “Captain Cool,” Dhoni is ensuring that an iconic identity remains his, both on and off the field. It is a symbol that the name bestowed upon him by millions of fans is now on the road to becoming a legitimate brand.
Frequently Asked Questions :
1. Why is MS Dhoni trademarking the name “Captain Cool”?
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is trademarking “Captain Cool” in order to gain exclusive legal rights (in terms of commercial development) of that nickname. Trademarks give protections of personal brands whereby he appropriately/legally prevents others from using that famous nickname without any limited license for services of sports coaching, sports training, and entertainment.
2. What is the current status of the trademark application?
The Trade Marks Registry has accepted the application has published its acceptance in its official journal on June 16, 2025 (published as an accepted trademark application). This creates a 4 month (or 120 days) period where third parties can oppose the trademark. If no oppositions, in accordance to the Trademark Act, are filed during the period referred to above, the trademark will be granted to MS Dhoni.
3. Has anyone else attempted to trademark the name “Captain Cool”?
Yes, a different company, Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Pvt Ltd, made an application for the same term. However, the registry ultimately sided with Dhoni after his legal team argued that the public would definitely consider the name “Captain Cool” unique to him. The other application’s status is listed as “rectification filed,” which likely means that there are still issues unresolved.
4. What will happen if someone uses the name “Captain Cool” after it was trademarked?
After a trademark becomes registered, no one else, besides Dhoni, will be able to use the name “Captain Cool” for commercial purposes with respect to activities related to sports and entertainment (for example, coaching or training services). This would grant him legal authority to prohibit the use and protect the identity of the brand.
