Legal Battle Unfolds Over Use of TESLA Trademark in Indian Electric Vehicle Market
Global electric vehicle manufacturing giant Tesla has filed a lawsuit against an Indian company, Tesla Power India Private Limited, alleging trademark infringement, passing off, and unfair trade practices related to the use of the TESLA trademark [Tesla Inc v Tesla Power India Private Limited].
The lawsuit, brought by Elon Musk‘s Tesla, was filed in the Delhi High Court, objecting to Tesla Power India’s use of the TESLA trademark and its announcement of plans to enter the electric vehicle market.
According to Tesla, Tesla Power India published advertisements in newspapers announcing its intention to enter the electric vehicle market, prompting the legal action.
Tesla stated that it had issued a cease-and-desist notice to Tesla Power India and its counterpart, Tesla Power USA, in April 2022. Despite communications between the parties until March 2023, Tesla Power India allegedly continued to advertise and market its goods using the Tesla trademark.
Justice Anish Dayal presided over the hearing on May 2.
Representatives of Tesla Power India appeared before the Court and provided an undertaking that they have no plans to manufacture electric vehicles and will refrain from marketing other entities’ electric vehicles under the TESLA trademark or any similar brand name.
The Court acknowledged the undertaking and recorded it, binding Tesla Power India to its terms.
Subsequently, the Court issued summons and notice to Tesla Power India and its proprietors, directing them to file their responses within three weeks.
The Court scheduled the next hearing for May 22, allowing the defendants to submit their response and supporting documents within the stipulated timeframe.
Senior Advocate Chander M Lall, along with a team of advocates, represented Tesla Inc., while Tesla Power India was represented by advocates Anita Sahani and Mukes Vatsa.
Click here to read the order.
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