IHCL secures India’s first sound mark registration in hospitality for its iconic brand Taj

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company has secured trademark registration for the Taj sonic sound, a sound mark associated with the iconic brand Taj - marking a significant milestone in the evolution of brand protection in the Indian hospitality sector.

What Happened
- IHCL has successfully registered the Taj sonic sound as a sound mark.
- This is the first-ever sound mark registration in India’s hospitality sector, marking a milestone in brand protection.
- The registration legally protects Taj’s distinctive sonic identity as a trademark, recognizing sound as a core brand asset.

Why It Matters
- Sonic Branding: In today’s experience-driven marketplace, sound plays a powerful role in shaping emotional memory and consumer recall beyond visual cues.
- Multi-sensory Hospitality: As hotels expand into immersive experiences, sound becomes a critical touchpoint for building trust, familiarity, and emotional resonance.
- Brand Leadership: IHCL reinforces its position as a pioneer in intellectual property protection, aligning with evolving guest engagement trends.

Heritage of Brand Protection
- Taj previously secured trademark protection for the three-dimensional shape of the Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay, showing its long-standing commitment to safeguarding distinctive brand elements.
- This new sound mark builds on that legacy, ensuring Taj remains at the forefront of progressive IP strategies in hospitality.

Leadership & Representation
- Rajendra Misra – Executive VP & General Counsel, IHCL, emphasized the responsibility of being recognized as the world’s strongest hotel brand and the importance of protecting brand equity.
- IHCL was represented by Fidus Law Chambers, led by Shwetasree Majumder, with support from Astha Negi and Umang Gola.

IHCL Snapshot
- India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization.
- Portfolio: 610 hotels (253 in pipeline) across 14 countries, 4 continents, 250+ locations.
- Brands include Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Ginger, Tree of Life, Gateway, Claridges Collection.

✨ In essence, IHCL has not only protected a visual heritage but now also a sonic identity, making Taj the first Indian hospitality brand to legally secure its signature sound as part of its brand DNA.