6E vs 6e: IndiGo takes Mahindra Electric to court alleging trademark infringement | Business News
India’s largest airline IndiGo has filed a case in the Delhi High Court against automobile major Mahindra & Mahindra’s (M&M) electric mobility arm—Mahindra Electric Automobile (MEAL)—for using the airline’s identifier code 6E in the name of its recently unveiled electric vehicle BE 6e. IndiGo has the registration for the “6E” trademark and uses it extensively in its branding and advertising.
“The ‘6E’ mark is an integral part of IndiGo’s identity for the past 18 years and is a registered trademark that holds strong global recognition. The ‘6E’ mark, whether standalone or in its variants and formative forms, is extensively used by IndiGo for its offerings and for goods and services provided in collaboration with trusted partners. Any unauthorised use of the “6E” mark, whether standalone or in any form, constitutes an infringement of IndiGo’s rights, reputation, and goodwill. IndiGo is committed to taking all necessary and appropriate steps to safeguard its intellectual property and brand identity,” the airline said in a statement.
MEAL unveiled its electric origin SUVs — BE 6e and XEV 9e — on November 26, and has applied for trade mark registration for “BE 6e”. In a filing with the stock exchanges, M&M said that it does not see any conflict with IndiGo pertaining the trademarks, and that along with MEAL, it is in talks with the airline to arrive at an “amicable solution”.
Mahindra unveiled their new electric SUV, the BE 6e, on November 26. (Photo: X/@anandmahindra)
“…the Company (M&M) does not see a conflict as Mahindra’s mark is ‘BE 6e’, not the standalone ‘6E’. It differs fundamentally from IndiGo’s ‘6E’, which represents an airline, eliminating any risk of confusion. The distinct styling further emphasizes their uniqueness,” M&M said, adding that the trade mark registration filed by the MEAL is specifically for the vehicle class.
“The Company and MEAL has taken on board the concerns that InterGlobe Aviation Limited (‘IndiGo’) have to infringement of their goodwill, which was not our intention. The Company and MEAL are engaged in discussions with them to find an amicable solution,” the automobile company said.
The case came up for hearing before the Delhi High Court on Tuesday, and is now likely to come up for hearing next week.
The starting price for the BE 6e is Rs 18.90 lakh and it will be launched in phased manner from January end. MEAL expects to start deliveries towards the end of February or early March.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
