New Delhi, India – Tesla, Inc., led by CEO Elon Musk, has taken legal action against an Indian battery company named Tesla Power for alleged trademark infringement. The lawsuit, filed in India, accuses Tesla Power of continuing to use the Tesla name despite receiving a cease-and-desist letter two years prior.
During a hearing at the Delhi High Court, Tesla, Inc. argued that Tesla Power’s use of the name has caused confusion in the country and has negatively impacted their business, including receiving complaints from customers meant for Tesla Power. The judge has temporarily barred Tesla Power from releasing any promotions using the Tesla name until the next hearing scheduled for May 22.
Tesla Power India, based in Gurgaon with a global office in Delaware under the name Tesla Power USA, defended itself by stating that it specializes in producing lead acid batteries and not electric vehicle batteries. The company emphasized its mission to become the top brand in the energy storage industry in India by 2025 through innovation and sustainable products.
Moreover, the lawsuit comes on the heels of Musk canceling a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit China, where he discussed deploying advanced driver-assistance features with Premier Li Qiang. During the meeting, Li expressed interest in further trade cooperation with the U.S.
Despite Tesla, Inc. being incorporated in Delaware, Tesla Power India claims to have been in India longer than Musk’s company. The legal battle highlights the importance of intellectual property rights in the global business landscape, particularly in emerging industries like electric vehicles.
The ongoing dispute between Tesla, Inc. and Tesla Power underscores the challenges faced by companies operating in competitive markets, where brand recognition and differentiation are vital for success. As the case unfolds in court, both parties will need to present strong arguments to support their claims and uphold their respective reputations in the industry. The outcome of the lawsuit could have implications for similar cases of trademark infringement in the future.