The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing for April 15, 2025, in the high-profile trademark dispute between Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc. and Gurugram-based Tesla Power India, after mediation efforts between the two parties failed. The case highlights a clash over the use of the “Tesla” brand name, with the US electric vehicle giant alleging trademark infringement by the Indian company.

Tesla Inc. filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in May 2024, accusing Tesla Power India of unlawfully using the “Tesla” name and logo. The US firm claimed this caused consumer confusion, with buyers mistakenly associating Tesla Power’s products—lead acid batteries for automobiles and inverters—with Musk’s electric vehicle (EV) brand. Tesla Inc. also alleged that despite a cease-and-desist notice issued in April 2022, the Indian company continued using the brand name in promotional materials.

In May 2024, Tesla Inc. further accused Tesla Power India of violating a court undertaking by launching electric scooters under sub-brands bearing the Tesla logo. The court then directed Tesla Power to submit an affidavit detailing e-scooter sales data, dealer networks, and stock availability.

In November 2024, the Delhi High Court referred the case to the Delhi Mediation and Conciliation Centre, urging both parties to resolve the dispute amicably. However, mediation talks collapsed, prompting Justice Saurabh Banerjee to set April 15, 2025, as the next hearing date.

• Tesla Inc.’s Claims:
• The Indian firm’s use of the “Tesla” trademark has misled consumers, leading to complaints from buyers who believed they were purchasing products linked to the US automaker.
• Tesla Power India’s entry into the EV market with e-scooters violates its earlier commitment to refrain from manufacturing electric vehicles.
• Tesla Power India’s Defense:
• The company asserts it operates in a distinct segment (lead acid batteries) and has no plans to compete in the EV space.
• “Tesla” is not a unique trademark, with multiple global entities using the name. The Indian firm argues that Tesla Inc. cannot claim exclusivity over it.
• Tesla Power India claims to have instructed vendors and partners to remove Tesla branding from e-scooters, adhering to court directives.

The upcoming hearing will determine whether Tesla Power India’s use of the brand name constitutes trademark infringement. Legal experts suggest the case could set a precedent for how global brands enforce intellectual property rights in India’s rapidly growing EV market.

This dispute underscores the challenges multinational companies face in protecting trademarks in India, where local firms often adopt similar branding strategies. With Tesla Inc. planning to enter the Indian EV market, securing exclusive rights to its brand name is critical to avoid further consumer confusion.

Key Highlights:

• Delhi High Court to hear Tesla Inc.’s trademark case against Tesla Power India on April 15 after failed mediation.
• Tesla Inc. alleges consumer confusion and trademark infringement, citing e-scooter sales under the Tesla brand.
• Tesla Power India argues “Tesla” is not a unique mark and operates in a different product category.
• The case highlights IP challenges for global brands in India’s evolving market.