India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has initiated legal action against Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd., filing a trademark infringement suit in the Delhi High Court regarding the use of “6E” in its upcoming electric car, the Mahindra BE 6E. is According to Bar & Bench, this model is all set to launch on Indian roads in February 2025.
The case was brought before Justice Amit Bansal on Tuesday, but the judge recused himself from the hearing. The hearing of this matter is to be held on December 9.
In court, senior counsel Sandeep Sethi, representing IndiGo, revealed that Mahindra had contacted the airline last evening to discuss the issue in an attempt to reach an amicable solution.
Controversy over ‘6E‘
Indigo Airlines operates under the callsign “6E”, which is not only an integral part of its branding but also encompasses various passenger services designed to enhance the travel experience. These services include 6E Prime, which offers benefits such as seat selection and priority check-in, and 6E Flex, which offers unlimited flexibility for re-scheduling and cancellation. In addition, the “6E” brand offers customized options for passengers, including pre-booking of extra baggage and meals.
IndiGo secured registration for the trademark “6E Link” under multiple classes in 2015, covering areas such as electronic advertising, transport services, and printed materials. Specifically, airline rights under these classifications include:
– Class 9: Electronic advertising displays and illuminated signs
– Class 35: Advertising services including online and television advertising
– Class 39: Airline services for the transport of passengers and goods
– Class 16: Printed advertising materials such as pamphlets and hoardings
On 25 November, Mahindra Electric’s request to register the word mark “BE 6E” in Class 12 was accepted by the Trademark Registrar. If granted, the registration will allow Mahindra to use the “6E” for a range of motor vehicles, including electric and internal combustion engine vehicles in various categories, excluding two-wheelers. are included
The Mahindra BE 6E has garnered significant online attention for its innovative design and advanced features, though bookings are still open, with deliveries expected to begin in February 2025.
next step
Indigo is seeking relief from the Intellectual Property Division of the Delhi High Court over this trademark dispute. Advocacy for Indigo is led by Senior Advocate Sethi, supported by a team at Ira Law including Advocates Aditya Gupta, Mukul Kochhar, and Chhavi Tokas.
M&M at 6E
A Mahindra spokesperson commented on the issues stating, “Mahindra unveiled its electric entry-level SUVs, BE 6e and XEV 9e on November 26, 2024. Mahindra trades under Class 12 (Vehicles) for “BE 6e”. has applied for trademark registration of its electric core SUV portfolio.
“Therefore, we do not see any conflict as Mahindra’s mark is “BE 6e” and not standalone “6E.” It is fundamentally different from Indigo’s “6E”, he adds.
