IndiGo takes Mahindra to court over use of ‘6e’ name

NEW DELHI: IndiGo has filed a trademark infringement suit against Mahindra Electric Automobile, objecting to the latter naming its upcoming EV as BE 6e as “6E” is the airline’s flight code. Mahindra launched the electric car on Nov 26, with company officials insisting then there is no copyright infringement with use of 6e.
Indigo went to the court within days. Titled Interglobe Aviation (IndiGo parent) vs Mahindra Electric Automobile, the case was on Tuesday listed to be heard in the court of Justice Amit Bansal.
However, the judge recused himself from hearing the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for Dec 9. Appearing for IndiGo, senior advocate Sandeep Sethi informed the court that Mahindra had initiated discussions with the airline to address the issue.
In a statement, IndiGo said: “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.”

The airline further said, “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.”
Mahindra said it revealed EV SUVs – the BE 6e and XEV 9e – late last month. “Mahindra has applied for trade mark registration under class 12 (vehicles) for ‘BE 6e’ a part of its electric origin SUV portfolio. 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. We have taken on board the concerns that InterGlobe Aviation Limited have to infringement of their goodwill, which was not our intention. We are engaged in discussions with them to find an amicable solution.”
This is the second time IndiGo is locked in a legal battle with some other company using a name associated with it. In 2015, the airline had a trademark dispute with Tata Motors which then used to sell its sedan under the name IndiGo.