IndiGo Sues Mahindra Electric For Using "6E" In New Car's Name.

India’s largest airline,  IndiGo sued Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited on Tuesday for using “6E” in the name of its new electric car, BE 6e.

IndiGo claims that “6E” is not only its official designator but also a key part of its branding. The airline uses “6E” for various services like 6E Prime, 6E Flex, and add-ons.

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These services provide customers with benefits like seat selection, priority check-in, complimentary snacks, unlimited rescheduling and cancellation flexibility, extra baggage, pre-booked meals, and lounge access.

IndiGo obtained registration for the word mark “6e Link” under Classes 9, 35, 39, and 16 in 2015, giving it the right to use “6E” for advertisement and services.

IndiGo has filed a copyright infringement suit against Mahindra Electric for using “6E” in the name of its new electric SUV.

On the other hand, Mahindra Electric registered “BE 6e” in class 12 on November 25 this year. This allows the company to use “6E” for a wide range of vehicle types apart from two-wheelers.

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The case was filed on Tuesday, December 4, 2024, and will come up for hearing on December 9. However, Justice Amit Bansal, the company’s lawyer has chosen to recuse himself from hearing the matter. He also added that Mahindra is making efforts to resolve the matter amicably.

Mahindra has responded to the lawsuit, stating that its “BE 6e” branding fundamentally differs from IndiGo’s “6E” and eliminates any risk of confusion.

Mahindra’s new electric car, BE 6e, is expected to hit the roads in February 2025 and will compete with other electric vehicles like the Tata Curvv EV and MG ZS EV.