India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has locked horns with Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited over the use of the moniker “6E,” which features in Mahindra’s upcoming electric SUV, the Mahindra BE 6E, a report from Bar and Bench said. The model, which takes its design cues from fighter aircraft has now landed in a legal dispute with a commercial airliner. Indigo, which operates under the distinctive callsign “6E,” has filed a trademark infringement case in the Delhi High Court, citing potential brand identity conflicts.
The case, titled ‘Interglobe Aviation vs. Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd,’ was presented on Tuesday but took an unexpected turn when Justice Amit Bansal recused himself. The hearing has been rescheduled for December 9.
Mahindra vs Indigo ‘6E’ battle: What’s the matter?
IndiGo has built its branding around “6E,” making it synonymous with its services and offerings. From 6E Prime (providing priority services) to 6E Flex (offering flexible rescheduling), and other add-ons, the airline uses this branding to create a distinctive identity. IndiGo registered the wordmark “6E Link” back in 2015, securing its rights across multiple trademark classes. These registrations include rights in advertising, transport services, and promotional materials.
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On the other hand, Mahindra’s BE 6E electric SUV, slated for a February 2025 launch, has already generated buzz for its futuristic design and performance. The SUV offers two battery options—59 kWh and 79 kWh—with the latter boasting a WLTP-certified range of 550 km. Powered by a 288 bhp motor, the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds.
Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, representing IndiGo, revealed during the hearing that Mahindra had initiated talks with the airline to explore a resolution.
Despite the car’s promising features, its branding has put Mahindra in a legal tussle. The company recently applied for trademark registration of “BE 6E” under Class 12, which covers a broad spectrum of motor vehicles and components.
It’s worth noting that although these two trademarks belong to different categories and were both approved, the court’s decision on the matter remains to be seen. We reached out to Mahindra for a statement. The company, speaking on the matter, said “Mahindra revealed its electric origin SUVs the BE 6e and XEV 9e on November 26, 2024. Mahindra has applied for trade mark registration under class 12 (vehicles) for “BE 6e” a 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. The distinct styling further emphasizes their uniqueness.
We have taken on board the concerns that InterGlobe Aviation Limited have to infringement of their goodwill, which was not our intention. We are engaged in discussions with them to find an amicable solution.”
