IndiGo vs Mahindra: Mediation fails in ‘6E’ trademark dispute
Mediation efforts between InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, operator of India’s largest airline IndiGo, and Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd regarding the use of the “6E” trademark have failed.
In the court decision, dated October 31 but only now made public, it was stated that “The parties declared that the mediation was unsuccessful.”
The matter came up before joint registrar (judicial) Sudhir Kumar Sirohi, who noted that the dispute could not be resolved through mediation. The court ordered both companies to submit photocopies of all relevant documents along with a joint schedule.
The case is now listed for February 3, 2026, when the court will consider the acceptance and rejection of documents. After this stage, the case will proceed to full hearing, where the court will examine the evidence and arguments and decide whether Mahindra’s use of “6E” for its electric car violates IndiGo’s trademark rights.
The case was referred to mediation in August 2025, but the process was not resolved.
IndiGo’s case
IndiGo filed a trademark infringement suit in December 2024, objecting to Mahindra’s plan to name its new electric SUV “BE 6E”. The airline argued that “6E” was a distinctive and protected part of its identity and callsign, and was prominently used on services such as 6E Prime, 6E Flex and 6E Rewards. IndiGo said the brand represents its brand identity and goodwill built over the years.
The airline has registered the “6E” trademark under multiple classes, including Class 9 (advertising), Class 35 (promotional services), Class 39 (transportation) and Class 16 (printed materials).
Mahindra’s response
Following the filing of the case, Mahindra promised the court on December 9, 2024 that it had changed the name of its vehicle from “BE 6E” to “BE 6” and that it would not use the controversial “6E” brand while the case was ongoing. However, the company maintained that it would continue to challenge IndiGo’s claims on legal grounds.
In a statement on December 7, 2024, Mahindra stated that it had no intention of violating IndiGo’s rights and noted that the “BE” (Born Electric) brand was registered under Class 12, which covers automobiles and related components, which is a completely different sector from aviation.
Mahindra said the ‘6E’ in its original branding was intended as a playful reference to the phrase ‘Be Sexy’, reflecting the sporty and futuristic design of the SUV. He also questioned whether two-character alphanumeric signs should be monopolized; suggested that such restrictions could hinder innovation and create barriers between industries.
Following its commitment to the court, Mahindra launched BE 6, which has become one of its most successful electric models. Along with its sibling, the XEV 9e, it was reported to have sold over 20,000 units within five months of its launch.
Mahindra plans to launch five fully electric models under the Born Electric (BE) and XEV brands by 2028.
