Archive · 6 Nov 2025
IndiGo and Mahindra Mediation Fails Over '6E' Trademark Dispute
Imagine two companies, IndiGo the airline and Mahindra the car maker.
IndiGo uses a special code, '6E', for many of its services and has registered it as its own.
Mahindra wanted to use '6E' in the name of a new electric car.
IndiGo said this was like copying their special code and would confuse people.
They went to a mediator to try and sort it out, like a referee.
But the referee couldn't get them to agree.
So now, they have to go to a judge to decide who is right.
Mahindra says their car name was just a fun idea and their business is different from flying.
But IndiGo believes their '6E' code is very important to their airline's identity.
The judge will now listen to both sides and decide if Mahindra can use '6E' or if they need to change it.
Mediation efforts between IndiGo and Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd over the '6E' trademark dispute have failed.
IndiGo filed a trademark infringement suit in December 2024, objecting to Mahindra's planned 'BE 6E' electric SUV name.
Mahindra stated it renamed the vehicle to 'BE 6' and would not use '6E' while the case is pending, but plans to contest IndiGo's claims.
Mahindra argues its 'BE' brand is registered in the automobile sector (Class 12), distinct from IndiGo's aviation sector.
The case will proceed to a full trial after the court examines documents on February 3, 2026.
- Who
- IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) and Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd
- What
- Mediation failed in a trademark dispute over the use of the '6E' mark, leading the case back to court for a full trial.
- When
- Mediation failed on October 31, 2025, after starting in August 2025. The case was filed in December 2024, and the next court hearing is on February 3, 2026.
- Where
- In court, as referred by the joint registrar (judicial) Sudhir Kumar Sirohi.
- Why
- IndiGo objected to Mahindra's plan to name its electric SUV 'BE 6E,' claiming infringement of its '6E' trademark. Mahindra maintains its branding is distinct and questions broad trademark monopolization.
IndiGo's Stance
Mahindra's Stance
Use of '6E' Mark
IndiGo's Stance
IndiGo argues that '6E' is a distinctive and protected part of its identity and call sign, used in services like 6E Prime, 6E Flex, and 6E Rewards, representing its brand identity and goodwill. They have registered the trademark under multiple classes relevant to their services.
Mahindra's Stance
Mahindra claims the '6E' in its original branding was a playful reference to 'Be Sexy,' reflecting the SUV's design. They argue that their 'BE' brand is registered under Class 12 (automobiles), a different sector from aviation, and question if two-character alphanumeric marks should be monopolized, citing potential stifling of innovation.
Brand Differentiation and Sector
IndiGo's Stance
IndiGo believes Mahindra's use of '6E' in its electric SUV branding infringes upon their established trademark rights.
Mahindra's Stance
Mahindra asserts that their 'BE' brand is registered in the automobile sector (Class 12), which is distinct from IndiGo's aviation sector, and therefore does not infringe on their rights.
- Mediator
- Joint registrar (judicial) Sudhir Kumar Sirohi
- Mediation Start Date
- August 2025
- Mediation Failure Date
- October 31, 2025
- Lawsuit Filing Date
- December 2024
- Mahindra's Undertaking Date
- December 9, 2024
- Court Hearing Date
- February 3, 2026
- Mahindra's Renamed Vehicle
- BE 6