New Delhi: IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has filed a lawsuit against Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, alleging trademark infringement. The suit, filed in the Delhi High Court, centers on Mahindra’s use of the term “6E” for its upcoming electric car, Mahindra BE 6E. This designation is identical to IndiGo’s widely recognized flight code “6E,” which has become synonymous with the airline’s brand identity.
The electric car, Mahindra BE 6E, is set to debut in February 2025 as part of Mahindra’s lineup of sustainable vehicles. However, IndiGo contends that the use of “6E” infringes on its trademark, potentially leading to confusion among consumers and diluting its brand’s distinctiveness. IndiGo, officially InterGlobe Aviation Limited, uses the “6E” code for its domestic and international flights and has heavily marketed this code as a key part of its branding strategy.
In its submission, IndiGo argued that the use of “6E” by Mahindra Electric might mislead customers into associating the electric vehicle with the airline, especially given the rising focus on environmentally friendly initiatives in the aviation and automotive sectors.
Trademark experts believe this case could set a precedent for disputes involving cross-industry branding overlaps. The court will examine whether the “6E” trademark is limited to the aviation sector or extends to other industries due to its strong brand association.
As of now, Mahindra Electric has not issued an official statement regarding the lawsuit. Industry insiders suggest the company may argue that “6E” refers to an internal product designation with no intent to infringe on IndiGo’s trademark.
The Delhi High Court is expected to take up the matter for a preliminary hearing later this month. Legal analysts and branding experts are closely watching the case, as its outcome could have significant implications for trademark laws and inter-industry branding practices in India.
