Mahindra's EVs Clash IndiGo's Flights In Legal Waters: The '6E' Battle Decoded

Mahindra & Mahindra has issued a statement regarding news circulating in mainstream media about IndiGo’s trademark infringement lawsuit over the alleged use of the airline’s iconic ‘6E’ branding. The dispute centres around the ‘BE 6e’ an upcoming electric SUV unveiled by Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited (MEAL), a subsidiary of Mahindra, on November 26, 2024.

Days after Mahindra and Mahinra's BE 6e launch, India's largest airline, IndiGo, reportedly filed a case in the Delhi High Court, citing that its branding identity was built around ‘6E’. According to several reports, the airline has cited its existing branding around ‘6E’ through services such as 6E Prime, 6E Flex, and 6E Link, which have been synonymous with the airline's offerings. IndiGo registered the "6E Link" trademark in 2015, securing rights in multiple classes, including advertising and transport services.

Mahindra’s clarification 

Responding to the speculation, Mahindra shared its position through a filing on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited revealed the BE 6e and XEV 9e as part of its electric SUV portfolio, filing for trademark registration under Class 12 (vehicles).

“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,” Mahindra stated. 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 (sic),” Mahindra said in a filing on the bourses.

Acknowledging IndiGo's concerns, Mahindra and MEAL emphasized that infringing on goodwill was not their intention. Discussions with IndiGo are ongoing to find an amicable resolution. The company also assured stakeholders of its commitment to transparency and compliance with regulatory norms, stating it will continue disclosing material litigation details to stock exchanges.