InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo Airlines, has filed a trademark infringement suit against Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited (MEAL) in the Delhi High Court.

The dispute arises over Mahindra's use of '6E' in its upcoming vehicle, the Mahindra BE 6e, slated for release in February 2025.

The case is scheduled for a hearing on December 9, according to a December 3 report by Bar and Bench. IndiGo's IATA code, '6E,' is a core element of its branding strategy.

Last week, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) expanded its electric vehicle lineup in India with the launch of two new models.

M&M stated that it does not perceive any conflict with IndiGo's standalone use of '6E' and expressed a willingness to work towards an amicable resolution.

Legal Proceedings

 The report further states that the case came up before Justice Amit Bansal on Tuesday. However, the judge chose to recuse from hearing the matter. The case is now expected to come up for hearing on December 9.

Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, who appeared for IndiGo informed the Court that Mahindra had reached out to the airline last evening and an effort is being made to discuss the issue.

Trademark Details and Mahindra's Response

"Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, a subsidiary, revealed its electric origin SUVs the BE 6e and XEV 9e on 26th November, 2024. MEAL has applied for trade mark registration under class 12 (vehicles) for "BE 6e" a part of its electric origin SUV portfolio. Hence, the Company does not 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.

IndiGo secured the trademark "6E Link" in 2015, covering services such as transportation and telecommunications.

Meanwhile, Mahindra applied for the trademark "BE 6e" under Class 12, which was approved by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on November 25, 2023, just one day before the vehicle's official launch. This registration grants Mahindra the right to use "6e" for a broad range of motor vehicles and related components.

"The Company and MEAL has taken on board the concerns that InterGlobe Aviation Limited 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. The Company has been transparently disclosing the material litigations to the Stock Exchanges and will continue to do so in compliance with the Listing Regulations. The Company has complied with and continues to comply with the relevant disclosure norms under the Listing Regulations," stated M&M in a stock exchange filing.