IHCL Secures India’s First Sound Mark Registration In Hospitality For Its Iconic Brand Taj

MUMBAI, JANUARY 12, 2026: 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.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Rajendra Misra, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, IHCL, said, “Being recognised as the world’s strongest hotel brand carries with it the responsibility to lead all facets including how brand equity is protected. This sound mark registration reinforces our position as a pioneer in brand protection, reflecting a forward-looking approach to intellectual property that aligns with the evolving ways in which guests engage with and connect with our brands.”

The registration legally protects the brand’s distinctive sonic identity as a trademark, recognising sound as a core brand asset. In an increasingly experience-driven marketplace, sonic branding plays a powerful role in shaping emotional memory and deepening consumer recall beyond visual cues. As hospitality brands expand into immersive, multi-sensory experiences, sound has emerged as a critical touchpoint for building trust, familiarity, and emotional resonance.

Earlier, Taj had successfully secured trademark protection for the three-dimensional shape of the Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay, underscoring a long-standing commitment to protecting distinctive elements of its heritage through progressive intellectual property strategies.

IHCL was represented in this matter by Fidus Law Chambers, led by Managing Partner Ms. Shwetasree Majumder, assisted by Partner Astha Negi and Senior Associate Umang Gola.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and ranked as World’s Strongest Hotel Brand 2025 and India’s Strongest Brand 2025 as per Brand Finance; Claridges Collection, a curated set of boutique luxury hotels merging elegance with historical charm; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Tree of Life, private escapes in tranquil settings; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; Gateway, full-service hotels designed to be your gateway to exceptional destinations and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel – The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 610 hotels including 253 in the pipeline globally across 4 continents, 14 countries and in over 250 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is listed on the BSE and NSE.

Please visit:IHCL; Taj; Claridges Collection; SeleQtions; Tree of Life; Vivanta; Gateway; Ginger