IndiGo and Mahindra gear up for legal battle in Delhi High Court over ‘6E’ mark after mediation fails

Indigo's suit alleged that Mahindra’s use of “6e” unlawfully exploits IndiGo’s trademark “6E”, which the airline uses not only as its callsign but also across several airline products and services.
Indigo and Mahindra’s BE 6E
Indigo and Mahindra’s BE 6E
Published on
2 min read

Mediation between InterGlobe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo Airlines) and Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd in the dispute over the ‘6E/6e’ mark has failed, the Delhi High Court was informed on October 31 [Interglobe Aviation Vs Mahindra Electric]

Joint Registrar (Judicial) Sudhir Kumar Sirohi recorded that the matter had not been resolved through mediation and directed both parties to file photocopies of relevant documents as well as a joint schedule of the documents. The case is now listed for admission–denial and marking of exhibits on February 3, 2026.

IndiGo filed the present suit before the Delhi High Court alleging trademark infringement after Mahindra Electric adopted the name “BE 6e” for its new electric car which hit the roads in February this year.

The BE 6e electric model generated widespread social-media attention upon its unveil.

IndiGo had obtained registration for the word mark “6E Link” in 2015 under Classes 9, 16, 35 and 39. These cover advertising and promotional materials, transport-related services, illuminated signage and printed advertising boards.

Despite this, the Registrar of Trademarks had accepted Mahindra Electric’s application to register “BE 6e” under Class 12, covering motor vehicles and related components.

This prompted Indigo to file the present suit before the High Court.

The suit alleged that Mahindra’s use of “6e” unlawfully exploited IndiGo’s trademark “6E” which the airline uses not only as its callsign but also across several airline products and services.

The matter first came up before Justice Amit Bansal, who recused from hearing the matter.

The case was thereafter heard by Justice Mini Pushkarna earlier this year.

IndiGo argued that the “6E” mark has acquired exclusive association with the airline due to nearly two decades of continuous use since 2006. It offers multiple services under that branding, including 6E Prime, 6E Flex and 6E add-ons, covering benefits such as seat selection, priority check-in, additional baggage, pre-booked meals and lounge access.

During that hearing, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, appearing for IndiGo, informed the Court that Mahindra had reached out to the airline to discuss the issue.

Mahindra subsequently stated that it had unilaterally renamed its vehicle from “BE 6e” to “BE 6” and undertook not to use “BE 6e” during the pendency of the suit. This statement was recorded by the Court.

The matter was then sent to mediation.

With the mediation failing, the case will now go for trial.

The opposition proceedings against Mahindra's claim to '6e' mark is also currently ongoing before the trademark registry.

Indigo was represented by a team from Ira Law.

Mahindra was represented by a team from Khaitan & Co.

[Read Order]

Attachment
PDF
Indigo Vs Mahindra Electric
Preview
Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news
www.barandbench.com