The battle of the ‘6E’ mark is officially taking off in court. Mediation between InterGlobe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo Airlines) and Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd has fallen apart, sending the two giants back to the Delhi High Court in a dispute that blurs the line between air and road.
On October 31, the court recorded that mediation had failed to resolve IndiGo’s trademark infringement claim against Mahindra’s use of “BE 6e” for its electric car model. Both sides have been directed to file their documents and prepare for the next stage—admission, denial, and marking of exhibits—scheduled for February 3, 2026.
IndiGo’s grievance dates back to February, when Mahindra’s BE 6e electric car rolled out to much fanfare. The airline claims that the “6e” tag unlawfully rides on its trademark “6E,” a mark it has cultivated since 2006 as both a callsign and a branding anchor across products like 6E Prime, 6E Flex, and other travel add-ons.
The airline had earlier secured registrations for “6E Link” in 2015 under several classes covering advertising, transport, and promotional materials. Despite this, the Registrar of Trademarks accepted Mahindra’s bid to register “BE 6e” under Class 12, which covers automobiles and related goods—triggering IndiGo’s legal offensive.
Initially, the matter appeared before Justice Amit Bansal, who later recused himself. Justice Mini Pushkarna took over, before referring the issue to mediation. Mahindra, at one point, had assured the court it would refrain from using “BE 6e” during the case and even renamed its model to “BE 6.”
But peace was short-lived. With talks officially grounded, the legal engines are revving again. Opposition proceedings against Mahindra’s “6e” mark remain pending before the trademark registry, while both sides gear up for what promises to be a closely watched courtroom flight.
