Mahindra & Mahindra is dropping the word ‘e’ from the name of its new electric SUV- ‘BE 6e’, following objections from Interglobe, the parent company of IndiGo airlines, regarding the use of their airline designator code- ‘6E’.
That being said, the auto major will still be challenging Interglobe’s legal objections to the name of its new green SUV- BE6e in court.
This comes in the aftermath of automobile major engaging in talks with InterGlobe Aviation to amicably resolve the dispute on alleged trademark infringement.
According to IndiGo, their airline designator code ‘6e’ has been a part of the airline company for years and therefore with M&M’s BE ‘6e’ launch, the same can possibly be diluted in terms of recognition and goodwill, something that the airlines major has built on painstakingly over due course of time.
“Any unauthorised use of the ‘6E’ mark, whether standalone or in any form, constitutes an infringement of IndiGo’s rights, reputation and goodwill. IndiGo is committed to taking all necessary and appropriate steps to safeguard its intellectual property and brand identity,” IndiGo had objected earlier.
In its argument for the same, M&M has earlier mentioned that its trademark- ‘BE 6e’ which represents ‘Be Sexy’, is registered under Class 12 (vehicles) and is different from IndiGo’s ‘6e’, implying that there is no confusion since BE 6e is a composite mark and isn’t the same as IndiGo’s ‘6e’.
M&M made its debut in the electric SUV market on November 26 with the introduction of the BE 6e and XEV 9e, the anticipated deliveries of which will start in February or March of 2025.