According to Reuters on May 3rd, Tesla, an automotive manufacturing company founded and led by Elon Musk, has filed a lawsuit against an Indian battery manufacturer, claiming that their use of the "Tesla Battery" trademark constitutes infringement. Tesla has filed a claim against the Indian company and requested a New Delhi judge to issue a permanent ban on the trademark.
According to the litigation details posted on the Delhi High Court website on May 3, Tesla stated earlier this week during a court hearing that although the suspension notice had been sent to the Indian company as early as April 2022, it continued to use the brand name "Tesla Battery" to promote its products.
At the hearing, the company named "Tesla Battery India" argued that its main business is manufacturing "lead-acid batteries" and has no intention of producing electric vehicles.
Court records show that the Indian company submitted a series of documents supporting its defense actions, and the judge allowed it to submit a written response within three weeks.
Tesla is registered in Delaware, USA and accuses the Indian company of using the trademarks "Tesla Battery" and "Tesla Battery America". The court records include a screenshot of a website. The screenshot shows that Tesla Battery USA LLC is also headquartered in Delaware and is considered a pioneer and leader in launching low-cost batteries, with a strong influence in the Indian market.
Tesla Battery Company in India did not immediately respond to the journalist's request for a comment.
Tesla told the judge that it discovered in 2022 that the Indian company was using its own trademark name, and its request to discontinue it was unsuccessful, forcing it to take legal action.
The Tesla India trademark case will hold the next round of hearings on May 22nd.