Mahindra’s BE 6 Sparks Trademark Debate with Indigo Airlines
Mahindra and Mahindra renames its electric SUV ‘BE 6e’ to ‘BE 6’ amidst legal battle with Indigo Airlines over trademark dispute.
Understanding the Trademark Dispute
The controversy began on December 3, 2024, when InterGlobe Aviation filed a lawsuit against Mahindra in the Delhi High Court. The airline asserted that Mahindra’s use of ‘BE 6e’ infringes upon its registered trademark, ‘6E’, a globally recognized identifier for Indigo Airlines. The court is set to hear the case on December 9, 2024.
In a statement, InterGlobe said, “Unauthorized use of ‘6E’ in any form undermines our brand’s reputation and identity. We will take all necessary steps to safeguard our intellectual property.”
Mahindra’s Stance on the Matter
Mahindra has expressed regret over the conflict, emphasizing that two major Indian companies should not engage in such disputes. The company clarified that its brand name, ‘BE 6e’, is distinct from Indigo’s ‘6E’ trademark, as it pertains to a completely different industry—automobile manufacturing.
“Our trademark application pertains to a distinct product in a separate industry, leaving no scope for confusion,” Mahindra stated. To resolve the issue and move forward, the company has renamed the product as ‘BE 6’ while continuing its legal battle.
Launch of Mahindra’s Electric SUVs
Mahindra unveiled its first “electric origin” SUVs, the ‘BE 6e’ and the ‘XEV 9e’, on November 26, 2024. Interestingly, a day prior to the launch, the Trademark Registrar had accepted Mahindra’s application to register the name ‘BE 6e’. If approved, Mahindra would gain exclusive rights to use the name.
Despite the ongoing dispute, Mahindra is optimistic that the matter will be resolved amicably. The company remains committed to promoting progress and innovation within the Indian corporate ecosystem.
Indigo Airlines’ History with Trademark Issues
This isn’t the first time Indigo has faced a trademark-related conflict. In the early 2000s, the airline encountered objections from Tata Motors over the use of the name ‘Indigo’. Tata Motors had launched a sedan named ‘Indigo’ in 2002, while InterGlobe Aviation began operations under the same name in 2006.
Such disputes underline the challenges Indian companies face in navigating intellectual property rights in a competitive landscape.
Looking Ahead
Mahindra’s decision to rename its electric SUV to ‘BE 6’ reflects its intent to prioritize innovation and customer focus over prolonged legal battles. The company hopes that Indian businesses can foster mutual encouragement rather than conflict.
The outcome of the ongoing trademark case will not only impact Mahindra and Indigo but also set a precedent for handling intellectual property disputes in India’s growing corporate sector.