MS Dhoni, one of India's most celebrated cricket captains, is on his way to owning a special identity that fans have used for years to describe him. Known as “Captain Cool” for his calm attitude during high-pressure situations, Dhoni has now taken a major step to officially trademark this nickname. This move was recently accepted and advertised by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks in Kolkata. It gives Dhoni the right to claim exclusive use of the title for commercial purposes.
The proposed trademark will cover various services, including sports training, fitness activities, and coaching. If there is no objection within the four-month window, Dhoni will secure exclusive rights to use “Captain Cool” as his brand. The decision to trademark this identity is not only a business step but also a way of protecting Dhoni’s legacy and public image.
Initially, there was some legal resistance. A company named Prabha Skill Sports Pvt Ltd had earlier applied for the same tag. However, Dhoni’s legal team defended the case strongly. They argued that the public has long associated the title with Dhoni because of his reputation as a calm and intelligent cricket captain. His image is strongly tied to this tag.
Mansi Aggarwal, Dhoni's lawyer, mentioned on LinkedIn that the case is a great example of how personal branding and public image can help win trademark battles, even when other parties have filed similar applications. The case highlights how famous personalities can use intellectual property law to protect the names and images that the public links with them.
In international sports, trademarking personal tags or logos is a common practice. American basketball player LeBron James has already trademarked “King James” for a wide range of products, from clothing to sporting goods. Another legendary player, Michael Jordan, owns the rights to the iconic “Jumpman” logo, which shows him flying mid-air for a slam dunk. Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has also trademarked his lightning-bolt celebration pose in several countries. These athletes have turned their identities into strong business assets.
Dhoni’s case shows that Indian athletes are also becoming aware of their branding power. By registering the “Captain Cool” name, Dhoni is stepping into a space that top global sports stars already use to strengthen their legacy.
This month has been special for Dhoni in more ways than one. He was recently inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame for the year 2025. Along with him, seven other cricket legends were also honoured, including Matthew Hayden from Australia and Hashim Amla from South Africa. The ICC praised Dhoni not only for his skills as a player and captain but also for his fitness and long career. He is admired for his ability to perform consistently over the years.
Dhoni became an Indian sports hero after leading India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup. That final over, where he trusted a young Joginder Sharma to bowl with just 13 runs to defend, is still remembered as a bold captain’s decision. With the bat too, Dhoni’s coolness helped India win many matches, especially during close run chases. He was famous for staying calm under pressure and finishing games with perfect timing.
He also led India to the 2011 ICC World Cup title and won the ICC Champions Trophy. As the captain of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, Dhoni lifted the trophy five times and became a symbol of dependability and calmness. Fans still remember his last-ball six in the 2011 final as one of Indian cricket’s most unforgettable moments.
Now that the name “Captain Cool” is nearly his to own legally, Dhoni is following a smart path. With his face still seen in ads and brand endorsements, and with his cool image still fresh in people’s minds, this move will help him keep control over how his identity is used.
It is not just about money. It is about owning what he represents to millions of fans—trust, calmness, and confidence under pressure. Dhoni is not just a name in Indian cricket. He is a brand, and now he is securing that brand for the future.
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