IndiGo files law suit against Mahindra, seeks to prevent use of 6e in electric SUV

A man films the interiors of newly launched Mahindra BE 6e, an electric SUV car, during its launch in Chennai on November 26
| Photo Credit: REUTERS

Low-cost airline InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. (IndiGo) has filed a law suit against Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd., a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), in the Delhi High Court, charging the electric SUV company with trademark infringement.

Last week, Mahindra unveiled two electric SUVs among which one is named BE 6e. IndiGo, which has its call sign as 6E, believes that the use of 6e (e in lowercase) is a violation of its identity and trademark.

“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,” IndiGo said in a statement.

“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,” IndiGo, India’s biggest airline by market share said.

The Gurugram-headquartered company did not provide a copy of the law suit. Reportedly IndiGo has sought a permanent injunction on use of its trademark 6E by Mahindra though the later has used a different form and fundamentally the businesses are completely different,

“Mahindra revealed its electric origin SUVs the BE 6e and XEV 9e on November 26, 2024. Mahindra has applied for trade mark registration under class 12 (vehicles) for BE 6e a part of its electric origin SUV portfolio,” the company said in a statement.

“We hence don’t 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 emphasises their uniqueness,” the company said.

“We have taken on board the concerns that InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. have to infringement of their goodwill, which was not our intention. We are engaged in discussions with them to find an amicable solution,” it said.

The BE 6e, the electric SUV with a range of over 500 kms in one charge, is scheduled to be available in market by March 2025.