IndiGo, one of India’s leading airlines, has filed a lawsuit against Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, alleging trademark infringement over the use of ‘6E’ in its upcoming electric car, the Mahindra BE 6E. The case was presented in the Delhi High Court and is scheduled for its next hearing on December 9, 2024. Justice Amit Bansal initially heard the matter but later recused himself.
Representing IndiGo, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi informed the court that Mahindra had reached out for discussions to resolve the issue amicably. Despite this, the legal challenge remains, with IndiGo asserting that Mahindra’s use of the ‘6E’ branding violates its trademark rights.
IndiGo has built its branding and services around its unique call sign, ‘6E’. The airline offers products like 6E Prime (seat selection, priority check-in, and snacks), 6E Flex (flexible rescheduling and cancellations), and other services like extra baggage options and lounge access under the 6E umbrella. In 2015, IndiGo secured the trademark “6E Link” under several classes, covering advertising, airline operations, and printed materials.
Mahindra’s BE 6E electric car is slated for a February 2025 launch and has already generated significant attention for its design and advanced technology. On November 25, 2024, the Registrar of Trademarks approved Mahindra’s application to register “BE 6E” under Class 12, which pertains to motor vehicles and components. However, IndiGo has approached the Intellectual Property (IP) division of the Delhi High Court, arguing that the approval infringes on its established trademark.
The airline claims that allowing Mahindra to use the ‘6E’ branding for its vehicles could lead to consumer confusion and dilute its brand identity. While Mahindra’s trademark registration excludes two-wheelers, it covers electric and combustion engine vehicles, further intensifying the dispute.
This case underscores the growing significance of intellectual property rights as companies from diverse industries work to protect their branding. As the court deliberates, it will determine the boundaries of trademark usage across different sectors.
