IndiGo Airlines and Mahindra Electric Mediation Fails in '6E' Trademark Dispute, Case Heads to Trial

InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, operating as IndiGo Airlines, has initiated legal proceedings against Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd in the Delhi High Court concerning the '6E' trademark. IndiGo alleges that Mahindra Electric's electric car, named 'BE 6e', infringes upon IndiGo's registered '6E' mark, which the airline uses as its callsign and for various services since 2006. IndiGo holds registrations for '6E Link' under multiple classes, including transport services. Despite this, Mahindra Electric's application for 'BE 6e' under Class 12 (motor vehicles) was accepted by the Registrar of Trademarks, prompting IndiGo's suit. Mahindra Electric had temporarily renamed its vehicle to 'BE 6' and agreed not to use 'BE 6e' during the pendency of the suit. However, recent mediation efforts to resolve the dispute have failed, and the case is now scheduled for a trial on February 3, 2026. Ongoing opposition proceedings against Mahindra's '6e' mark claim are also underway at the trademark registry.

Impact: The failure of mediation means the legal battle will escalate, potentially leading to a significant court ruling on trademark ownership and usage across different industries. This could influence future branding strategies for companies employing similar alphanumeric identifiers. Rating: 7/10.

Difficult Terms: Trademark Infringement: Occurs when an unauthorized party uses a trademark in a way that is likely to cause confusion among consumers about the source of goods or services. Mediation: A process where a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach a mutually agreeable solution. Callsign: A unique identifier assigned to an aircraft, airline, or air traffic control unit for communication purposes. Opposition Proceedings: A legal process where a party objects to the registration of a trademark. Registrar of Trademarks: The government official responsible for examining trademark applications and managing the trademark register. Class 12: A classification category under the Nice Classification system for trademarks, specifically covering vehicles and parts thereof. Classes 9, 16, 35 and 39: Classification categories under the Nice Classification system. Class 9 relates to scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (supervision), life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus for recording, transmission, reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; automatic vending machines and mechanisms for coin-operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment and computer programs; fire-extinguishing apparatus. Class 16 covers paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, not included in other classes; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists' materials; paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture); instructional and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); playing cards; printing type; printing blocks. Class 35 covers advertising; business management; business administration; office functions. Class 39 covers transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement.