IndiGo airlines files trademark suit against Mahindra over ‘6e’ branding
Mahindra & Mahindra and InterGlobe Aviation, which owns IndiGo airlines, were on Tuesday locked in a tussle over infringement of ‘6e’ trademark, despite the automaker claiming it is in discussions to find an amicable solution.
The automaker, which introduced two electric brands — BE 6e and XEV 9e — earlier this month, said its trademark ‘BE 6e’ differs from IndiGo’s ‘6E’, eliminating any risk of confusion. IndiGo, which uses 6E as the airline designator code, however refuted the claim by the Mumbai-based automaker.
“The 6E mark is an integral part of IndiGo’s identity for the past 18 years and is a registered trademark that holds strong global recognition. The “6E” mark, whether standalone or in its variants and formative forms, is extensively used by IndiGo for its offerings and for goods and services provided in collaboration with trusted partners,” IndiGo said in a statement.
Any unauthorised use of the 6E mark, whether standalone or in any form, constitutes an infringement of IndiGo’s rights, reputation and goodwill, it added.
IndiGo is committed to taking all necessary and appropriate steps to safeguard its intellectual property and brand identity, it said.
M&M in a statement said it was in discussions with InterGlobe Aviation to find an amicable solution regarding the issue. “We have taken on board the concerns that InterGlobe Aviation Ltd have to infringement of their goodwill, which was not our intention. We are engaged in discussions with them to find an amicable solution,” the auto major said in a statement.
Mahindra asserted that it has applied for trade mark registration under class 12 (vehicles) for “BE 6e”, part of its electric origin SUV portfolio.
“We hence don’t 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,” it said.
The distinct styling further emphasises their uniqueness, it added.
