Two Trademark Applications Filed For 'Cockroach Janata Party'

Two trademark applications have been filed for the phrase “Cockroach Janata Party,” a satirical social media movement that emerged following recent remarks by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing.

The hashtag #CockroachJanataParty gained traction on social media after the Chief Justice, while hearing a matter last week, made an observation comparing the unemployed youth turning to activism through media, social media and RTI to cockroaches. The CJI later clarified that his comments were directed at people joining professions with fake degrees.

As the CJI's comments became viral, a social media movement started, with many youth claiming that they are "cockroaches" who are not afraid to question the system. Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications strategist who formerly worked with the Aam Aadmi Party, started a page, "Cockroach Janata Party" and its social media accounts. Within days, its accounts on X and Instagram amassed millions of followers.

The X handle of "Cockroach Janata Party" was suspended today following a legal demand from the Government of India.

Looking to capitalise on the movement, two trademark applications have been filed.

Records from the Trade Marks Registry's public search portal show that two separate applications have been filed for the wordmark “COCKROACH JANTA PARTY” / “Cockroach Janta Party” under Class 45, which covers legal and certain personal services.

The first application, bearing Application No. 7737937, has been filed by Azim Adambhai Jam for the wordmark “COCKROACH JANTA PARTY.” The second, Application No. 7741481, has been filed by Akhand Swaroop for “Cockroach Janta Party.” Both applications currently show the status “Formalities Chk Pass.”