Tesla sues Indian firm over trademark infringement

New Delhi: Tesla, the carmaker owned by Elon Musk, sued an Indian battery maker for allegedly using the brand name “Tesla Power”, infringing its trademark. The Indian firm allegedly used the name to promote its products, and therefore, Tesla demanded damages and a permanent injunction against it, Reuters reported.

In a hearing at the Delhi High Court this week, Tesla submitted that the Indian firm had continued advertising its product with the “Tesla Power” brand despite a cease-and-desist notice sent in April 2022.

The court proceedings posted on the website suggest ed that the Indian company, Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd, argued that it is manufacturing ‘lead acid batteries” and not electric vehicles. After the company [submitted a set of documents in support of its defence, the court allowed it to submit written responses in three weeks.

Tesla, which is incorporated in Delaware, accused the Indian company of using trade names “Tesla Power” and “Tesla Power USA”.

The court records, published on the website, showed that Tesla Power USA LLC was also headquartered in Delaware and had been acknowledged for being a pioneer and leader in introducing affordable batteries" with "a very strong presence in India", quoted Reuters.

Musk’s Tesla told the court that the Indian firm had been using its name since 2022, and it tried to stop the company from using the brand name but failed. That is why they resorted to a lawsuit.