[anjan_c2007]

A petition was filed by IndiGo Airlines alleging infringement of its IATA assigned call sign "6E", which has lately become a synonym for the airline. The suit targets Mahindra which after adequate usage of "O's" has switched over to the model name BE6e for its new EV. The petition came up for hearing before a Single Judge Bench of the Delhi High Court. The news was that the judge recused from hearing the writ petition. The next date of hearing is 9.12.24. Mahindra's counsel said that it has reached out to the airline already, for an amicable solution. The BE6e was unveiled with the XEV 9e (again "O" is missing) by Mahindra on 26.11.24. The Registrar of Trade Marks has accepted the two new Mahindra model name registrations as such on 25.11.24.

Indigo says 6E is an integral part of its identity since the past 18 years and has been recognised globally. Indigo wants to protect its intellectual property and brand identity. Mahindra says 6e and 6E are very different and 6e is not the IndiGo's standalone 6E.

Mahindra has fought quite a few "infringement" court battles with Chrysler. But this fight on the Indian turf by both Indian companies will be interesting to watch.

The newslink:-
https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/busin...ource=inshorts

[Dry Ice]

Mahindra and it’s niggles!

How hard is it to avoid such facepalm moments for a giant like Mahindra? Indigo isn’t some obscure brand either, so M&M can’t claim ignorance in this case.

Mahindra claims the trademark granted to them is “BE 6e” vs Indigo’s standalone “6E”. The categories of their respective trademarks are different as well.

Anyway, Mahindra is also in talks with Indigo apparently, as mentioned in their NSE filling (LINK)

From the filling -

* Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, a subsidiary of the Company (“MEAL”), 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 emphasizes their uniqueness.

* 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.

[Turbanator]

Why would Mahindra not launch like -

XEV 6e

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/elect...ml#post5887658 (Mahindra XUV700 EV to be called XEV 7e; Details leaked)

I don't see anything special or likeable in - BE6e

The XEV prefix looks perfect and matches their existing lineup. It's still early days better to change now. Unless they want to have a separate line for "Be Sexy line" and want to distinguish between regular EV's and these special ones. Good luck convincing the judge that this is something they thought on their own.

[PreludeSH]

BE is Born Electric. Why did they need another E after 6 just to say 'be sexy' They are putting out too many things at once, naming included.

But I understand if they reach some agreement with Indigo since the segments are very different. iOS and iPhone both were already products with Cisco but Apple could use it with permission(after starting to use it without) . Same could happen here too.

[amtak]

BE 6 wouldnt have been a right name (if you know what I mean). Hence, perhaps they chose to go BE 6E and landed themselves in this soup. May be, offer some BE 6E cars to Indigo for their airport fleets and be done with it. Goodwill and marketing in 1 stroke.

[DicKy]

IndiGo uses the '6E' for its promotion alright, but isn't that the code given by IATA?

Why is IndiGo getting riled about then? There is Indigo paints, Indigo music and I bet there is some clothing brand name indigo. Heck, there was TATA Indigo. And some of them are older than IndiGo airlines itself.

But now IndiGo wants to sue Mahindra?

That said, the new Mahindra BEV branding is just confusing and wish they changed it.

[freelancer6202]

As soon as I read the name, I knew a lawsuit was coming. May be this was intentional. After all this publicity events and launch with BE 6e name, is it possible for Mahindra to make changes if they lose?

[RM Motorsports]

Official statement addressing Indigo's trademark infringement.

[Gsynch]

I find it amusing that what one is discussing is the naming convention about these new launches by Mahindra, it's a leg up to them that the product is so good that people are finding these frivolous reason to diss them :-D

[IshWish]

Mahindra, make one small change. Just change the letter E with Y, 'BE 6Y'. I'll wait for my royalty cheque.

[libranof1987]

Very, very petty from Indigo, in my opinion.

But hey, any PR is good PR, isn't it. There are so many examples of companies waging friendly social media wars with other companies, and generating massively positive PR for both companies. There are just as many examples that do the opposite. Why couldn't Indigo look at bringing out a positive spin on this.

[Doge]

I don't see how anyone would mistake a car for an airline but can Mahindra just have real names for its cars? It's so confusing with all the random letters and numbers that only make sense to Mahindra. What's more catchy, XUV 3X0 or whatever it's called or a simple name like Scorpio, Thar or Bolero? Mahindra please stop naming your cars like cellphones from early 2000s.

[RaghuVis]

Should TATA sue Indigo for taking that name. TATA Indigo came much before Indigo Airlines came right?

[volkman10]

Indigo says 6E 'integral' part of identity, Mahindra's use is infringement.



The use, whether standalone or in any form, would constitute an infringement of its rights, reputation, and goodwill, the company said.

Under Indian trademark law, protection is typically limited to the specific classes under which a mark is registered. This means a trademark registered for airline services may not automatically prevent its use in automobiles, unless it qualifies as a "well-known trademark" or there's a legitimate likelihood of consumer confusion.

The law prevents others from using identical marks for similar goods or services and also guards against the use of similar marks that could cause confusion among consumers. It also provides protection against dilution of well-known trademarks and offers safeguards against passing off, even for unregistered marks.

The case has drawn significant attention in both the aviation and automotive sectors, highlighting the complexities of trademark protection across different industries. While IndiGo remains firm on protecting its intellectual property rights, the ongoing discussions between the parties suggest a possibility of reaching an out-of-court settlement before the next hearing.

Link:

[GTO]

Originally Posted by RM Motorsports

Official statement addressing Indigo's trademark infringement.

Love Mahindra's response. The reaction was quick and they have already initiated "discussions" with Indigo. This is unlike other times when companies maintain silence and fight it out in courts.

I honestly don't see this as a valid trademark case at all. There is no confusion between a BE 6e car and a 6E commercial airline, and no one's brand is suffering or gaining from the 6e being common to both.

Originally Posted by RaghuVis

Should TATA sue Indigo for taking that name. TATA Indigo came much before Indigo Airlines came right?

that is classic! Thanks for pointing it out.