Tesla vs Tesla: Elon Musk’s company sues Indian namesake for copying trademark
Basically, Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd, an Indian company, said in court that they focus on making lead acid batteries, not electric cars like Elon Musk’s Tesla does. They want to make it clear they’re not in the same business. Elon Musk’s Tesla is incorporated in Delaware and it has accused the Indian company of using trade names “Tesla Power” and “Tesla Power USA”.
The Background
Tesla, founded by Elon Musk, is a well-known electric car manufacturer based in the United States. The company has gained significant popularity and has become synonymous with electric vehicles. On the other hand, Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd, the Indian company, is involved in the manufacturing of electric rickshaws.
The Lawsuit
Elon Musk’s Tesla has taken legal action against an Indian battery manufacturer for using the name “Tesla Power” to sell its products. Tesla wants compensation and for the Indian company to stop using the name. Despite receiving a warning in April 2022, the Indian company kept using the name, prompting Tesla to escalate the matter to the Delhi High Court.
The judge granted the Indian company three weeks to provide written responses after it presented supporting documents for its defense. Tesla, owned by Elon Musk and registered in Delaware, accused the Indian company of using trade names “Tesla Power” and “Tesla Power USA.” The court record included screenshots of a website indicating that Tesla Power USA LLC, also based in Delaware, was recognized as a leader in affordable batteries with a significant presence in India. Tesla Power has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Tesla informed the judge that it became aware of the Indian company’s use of its brand name in 2022 and attempted unsuccessfully to prevent it, leading to the filing of the lawsuit. The legal action followed Elon Musk’s cancellation of his scheduled visit to India on April 21 for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shortly after, Musk unexpectedly visited China, where progress was made on the rollout of Tesla’s advanced driver assistance package, which some Indian commentators interpreted as a snub. The next hearing for the Tesla India trademark case is scheduled for May 22.
The Implications
This legal battle between Tesla and Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd highlights the importance of trademark protection in the business world. Trademarks are essential assets for companies, as they help establish brand identity and distinguish products and services from competitors.
If Tesla is successful in its lawsuit, it could set a precedent for other companies facing similar trademark disputes. It would reinforce the need for businesses to respect and protect intellectual property rights.
On the other hand, if Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd can prove that its use of the name “Tesla” is not infringing on Tesla’s trademark, it could potentially continue using the name without any legal consequences.
As the case unfolds in the Delhi High Court, it will be interesting to see how the legal system addresses the issue of trademark infringement and its implications for both Tesla and Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd.