Hyderabad: The iconic Arts College building of Osmania University is set to become India’s third trademarked building, joining the ranks of the Taj Mahal Hotel and the Bombay Stock Exchange. The trademark application for the building’s exterior design, filed in April 2024, has been accepted for publication, with the registration process expected to be completed within the next 4-5 months.
Inaugurated by Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1939, the Arts College building is a magnificent blend of Ajanta and Ellora styles featuring Indo-Saracenic arches. Designed by Belgian architect Monsieur Jasper, the granite structure encompasses 164 rooms and spans an area of 2.5 lakh square feet.
The trademark application was submitted by TM agent Subhajit Saha, with the support of Prof. G.B. Reddy, the founding Chair Professor of the DPIIR-IPR Chair at Osmania University. Prof. Reddy specializes in Intellectual Property and has been instrumental in this initiative.
Saha believes that trademarking the building will elevate it to brand status and inspire other iconic structures, such as T-HUB, T Works, and the Telangana Secretariat, to follow suit. By trademarking its Arts College building, Osmania University aims to protect its unique architectural heritage and leverage it for commercial purposes, such as merchandise and souvenirs.
The concept of trademarking buildings originated in the United States, with notable examples including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the New York Stock Exchange. This trend has now extended to other countries, with the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House also securing trademark protection.
This move by Osmania University underscores the importance of preserving architectural landmarks and highlights the potential for such structures to achieve brand recognition and commercial value.
