In the midst of speculation surrounding Tesla’s imminent entry into the Indian market, the American automaker finds itself embroiled in a trademark infringement battle with an Indian company. Tesla has taken legal action against Tesla Power India Pvt. Ltd., alleging unauthorized use of its trademarks ‘Tesla Power’ and ‘Tesla Power USA’.
The case, registered in the Delhi High Court, sees Tesla seeking a permanent injunction and damages for trademark infringement, passing off, and unfair trade competition. Despite the legal action, Tesla Power India Pvt. Ltd. has defended its position, stating that it primarily deals in lead-acid batteries for various applications, including automobiles and inverters, with no intention of venturing into the EV market.
While Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk had plans to visit India and potentially announce the launch of Tesla EVs in the country, these plans were postponed indefinitely, leading to disappointment among Indian enthusiasts. Tesla has been hinting at entering the Indian market since 2014, and although it started accepting reservations for the Model 3 in 2016, various delays have hindered its entry into the country.
The first Tesla EV expected to arrive in India is likely to be the Model Y, imported in limited quantities from the company’s German factory. The Model Y, being an SUV, aligns well with the Indian market’s preference for such vehicles over sedans. Tesla’s entry into India could coincide with the festive season in the fourth quarter of the year, providing Indian consumers with access to some of the world’s most sought-after EVs.
