Indigo files trademark infringement case against Mahindra over '6E' branding

 What's so important about the brand name '6E' you ask? Well a lot, if you are budget airline Indigo. The airline uses '6E' as its call sign. It is also widely used in its branding initiatives. Its in-flight magazine, for instance, is titled Hello 6E, and 6E Prime provides guests add-on services.

Homegrown Mahindra & Mahindra's arm Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd (MEAL), last week, unveiled two brand new sports utility vehicles, one of which is named BE 6e. Indigo is not impressed. The country's largest airline has now filed a suit before the Delhi High Court for infringement of trademark against Mahindra Electric for the use of '6e' in its electric vehicle brand name.

Mahindra had, last week, unveiled BE 6e and XEV 9e, two brand new electric origin SUVs. The company is expected to start deliveries of the two vehicles from February or March 2025.

As noted by Bar and Bench, Indigo obtained the registration for '6E Link' almost a decade ago under various trademark classes like 9, 35, 39 and 16.

Mahindra, on the other hand, says it has applied for the 'BE 6e' trademark under class 12, which relates to vehicles. Therefore, it doesn't see any conflict.

"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 company said.

It further pointed out that the distinct styling further emphasizes their uniqueness. Nevertheless, Mahindra has now initiated discussions with Indigo to find a way ahead.

"The company and MEAL has taken on board the concerns that InterGlobe Aviation Limited (Indigo) have to infringement of their goodwill, which was not our intention. The company and MEAL are engaged in discussions with them to find an amicable solution," it said in a stock exchange filing.

According to Bar and Bench, the case came up before Justice Amit Bansal on Tuesday. However, he has recused himself from hearing the case, and the next hearing is now expected on December 9.