Former India skipper MS Dhoni is on the cusp of trademarking his on-field title "Captain Cool" for sports and entertainment services, Bar and Bench reported.
As per the Trade Marks Registry portal, the application's status is 'accepted and advertised'. It was published in the official trademark journal on June 16, while the application was filed on June 5.
If the trademark remains unopposed, Dhoni will have exclusive rights to the mark. The proposed trademark is registered under the category for sports training, providing sports training facilities, sports coaching and services.
Initially, it was opposed owing to similar prior mark and the Trade Marks Office ruled in Dhoni's favour, citing his "strong public association with the moniker."
According to India Today, Dhoni's lawyer said, "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 team had stated that "Captain Cool" holds a clear and unique link with the legendary cricketer, and is a term used by his fans and the media too.
The Registry said that "Captain Cool" is not just a tag but also a part of Dhoni's commercial image, the publication mentioned.
Earlier, another company named Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Pvt Ltd had filed a similar application for the phrase. However, that application's status is showing as 'rectification filed'.
Meanwhile, Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in August 2020, was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame last month.
The apex body hailed Dhoni as a player who succeeded not just in numbers but also in "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 ICC statement had said.
(With PTI inputs)
