IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has filed a trademark infringement suit against Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited over the use of the term “6E” for its new electric vehicle, the BE 6E. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, claims that Mahindra’s use of the “6E” branding infringes on IndiGo’s established trademark, which has been associated with the airline since its inception.
IndiGo has argued that its “6E” trademark is well-known and has become synonymous with its brand identity. The airline contends that Mahindra’s use of “6E” for its electric vehicle could cause confusion among consumers, potentially diluting the distinctiveness of IndiGo’s branding in the aviation sector. As part of the lawsuit, IndiGo seeks an injunction to prevent Mahindra from using the term “6E” for its vehicles and demands compensation for any potential damage to its brand.
In response, Mahindra Electric has defended its use of the “6E” term, stating that it has been used as part of its vehicle’s model name and is not intended to cause confusion with IndiGo’s airline branding. The company further emphasized that “6E” has a different context and market application in the automotive sector compared to the aviation industry.
This legal dispute raises questions about the use of similar branding across different industries and the extent of trademark protection in cases of potential overlap. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future trademark disputes in the evolving landscape of branding in India’s diverse industries.
As the case progresses, both IndiGo and Mahindra Electric are expected to make their respective arguments before the court, with the final decision potentially impacting the use of similar branding in various sectors. For now, both companies await the legal proceedings, with each maintaining its stance on the use of “6E” in their respective domains.
