Tesla files trademark infringement case in Delhi High Court, ban on publishing advertisements

American electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla Inc on Thursday moved the Delhi High Court. Gurugram-based Tesla Power India was accused of infringement of its trademark 'Tesla'.

Senior lawyer Chander Lal, representing Tesla Inc, argued while seeking to stop the use of its trademark. He said that the use of trademarks in India by Indian firms is not only creating confusion among consumers but is also harming their business interests.

He also said complaints against Tesla Power batteries are being directed to the US firm because consumers are assuming they are linked to Tesla Inc.

The senior lawyer claimed that Tesla Power was advertising its batteries as an EV company in national newspapers of the country. And was using the logo of a foreign firm.

Tesla Inc. Tesla's lawyer sought immediate action against Tesla Power's use and copying of the Tesla trademark, citing potential damage to their brand and business interests in India.

Upon receiving a plea from a US firm, Justice Anish Dayal sent notice to Tesla Power, prohibiting the company from publishing any promotional advertisements for electric vehicles (EVs) bearing similar Tesla trademarks until the next hearing on May 22.

Nonetheless, the High Court stated that Tesla Inc. has not demonstrated a sense of urgency regarding this issue. because she had been in contact with Tesla Power about the purportedly unlawful use of its trademark since 2020.

According to Tesla Power, it does not produce EV batteries. Instead, it sells lead-acid batteries that are utilized in inverters and regular cars.

Kavinder Khurana, President of Tesla Power India, was in the courtroom in person. It declared that it would stop producing and selling electric vehicles under the Tesla name. However, he owns a partnership business in the United States.

He said that he has no plans to enter the EV market. He also clarified that the advertisement with the Tesla trademark is related to another company called E-Ashwa. Tesla Power has a strategic partnership to sell branded products.

According to Khurana, Tesla Power has been in business for the last few years and has more than 10 lakh customers in India.