IndiGo takes legal action against Mahindra Over ‘6E’ trademark dispute
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India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited. The dispute centers around the use of ‘6E’ in Mahindra’s forthcoming electric vehicle, the Mahindra BE 6E, slated for release in February 2025. IndiGo argues that the ‘6E’ callsign is a crucial part of its brand identity, and its use by Mahindra could lead to consumer confusion.
Why Is IndiGo Suing Mahindra?
IndiGo uses the callsign ‘6E’ extensively for its branding, including services like 6E Prime, 6E Flex, and 6E Add-ons. The airline registered the trademark ‘6E Link’ in 2015, covering various categories such as advertising, airline transport services, and printed materials.
Conversely, Mahindra has recently received approval to register ‘BE 6E’ under Class 12, which pertains to motor vehicles. IndiGo contends that this overlap could dilute its brand identity and mislead consumers.
Current Legal Status
The case was initially presented to Justice Amit Bansal, who recused himself from the hearing. The next hearing is scheduled for December 9, 2024. IndiGo’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, disclosed that Mahindra has opened discussions to resolve the matter amicably.
Potential Impact of the Case
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for intellectual property rights in India, especially regarding trademark overlaps across different industries. It underscores the increasing challenges companies face in safeguarding their brand identity amidst expanding and intersecting markets.
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