Synopsis: Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has filed a lawsuit against Indian battery manufacturer 'Tesla Power' for alleged trademark infringement. Despite a cease-and-desist notice, the company continued using the 'Tesla Power' brand. The legal battle unfolds in the Delhi High Court, with Tesla seeking damages and a permanent injunction. The accused argues non-overlapping business domains and awaits the court's decision. This clash coincides with Musk's canceled India visit and ongoing tensions. The case resumes on May 22.
During a court session this week, it emerged that Indian firm Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd persisted in promoting its products under the 'Tesla Power' brand despite receiving a cease-and-desist notice in April 2022, according to information posted on the court's website.
Elon Musk's Tesla has taken legal action against an Indian battery manufacturer for allegedly infringing on its trademark by utilizing the name "Tesla Power" to market its products. The lawsuit, heard in the Delhi High Court, seeks damages and a permanent injunction to halt the use of the Tesla brand name, as reported by Reuters.
Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd, specializing in lead acid batteries, argued during the hearing that its business does not overlap with electric vehicle production and it had no intention to mislead consumers. The judge granted the Indian company three weeks to submit a written response after presenting a set of documents defending its stance.
Court documents disclosed that the accused company also employs the name "Tesla Power USA" and is renowned for its pioneering efforts in affordable batteries, with a substantial presence in India. A representative from Tesla Power asserted, "We have never claimed to be associated with Elon Musk's Tesla," as quoted by Manoj Pahwa of Tesla Power, according to Reuters.
Tesla informed the court that it became aware of the Indian company's use of its brand name in 2022 but was unsuccessful in halting it, prompting the legal recourse.
This legal dispute coincides with Musk's cancellation of a planned visit to India to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 21, followed by an unexpected trip to China, which some Indian analysts interpret as a snub, the report mentioned.
The next hearing in the Tesla India trademark case is slated for May 22.
Related Questions
1. Why did Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd persist in promoting its products under the 'Tesla Power' brand despite receiving a cease-and-desist notice?
Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd persisted in promoting its products under the 'Tesla Power' brand despite receiving a cease-and-desist notice due to reasons disclosed during a recent court session.
2. What legal action has Elon Musk's Tesla taken against an Indian battery manufacturer?
Elon Musk's Tesla has filed a lawsuit against an Indian battery manufacturer for alleged trademark infringement by utilizing the name "Tesla Power" to market its products.
3. What argument did Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd present during the court hearing regarding its use of the 'Tesla Power' brand?
Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd argued during the court hearing that its business does not overlap with electric vehicle production and it had no intention to mislead consumers.
4. When is the next hearing scheduled for the Tesla India trademark case?
The next hearing in the Tesla India trademark case is slated for May 22, as per the latest information available.
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