Elon Musk-Owned Tesla Moves Delhi High Court Against Gurugram-Based Tesla Power For Trademark Infringement

The Bench summoned Tesla Power India and its proprietors, directing them to submit their responses within three weeks.

The case is scheduled for the next hearing on May 22.

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The Delhi High Court has issued a summon against Gurugram-based company Tesla Power India Private Limited after Tesla Inc. owned by Elon Musk filed a case of trademark infringement and unfair trade practices against it. The global automotive giant Tesla Inc. moved Delhi High Court following the use of the TESLA trademark by Tesla Power India and their announcement that it is going to enter the electric vehicles market. Tesla Inc. informed the Court that the Gurugram-based company had carried advertisements in newspapers announcing the move to enter the EV market.

Tesla, led by Musk, stated that a cease-and-desist order was sent to Tesla Power India and Tesla Power USA in April 2022. Despite ongoing communications between the parties until March 2023, the defendant company persists in promoting and selling their products under the Tesla trademark.

Justice Anish Dayal heard the matter on May 2.

The proprietor of Tesla Power India appeared in court and pledged that they have no plans to produce electric vehicles whatsoever. They also committed to refraining from promoting electric vehicles of other companies under the trademark 'TESLA POWER USA' or any other name closely resembling 'TESLA'.

The Court noted, “He further states that they will not issue any promotional advertisements or material in relation to EV vehicles under their brand name/tradename. He further undertakes that defendants shall not use the registered device/logos of ‘TESLA’. The said undertaking is taken on record and the defendants will be bound by it.”

Bench Issues Summon & Gives 3 Week Time To Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd To Reply

The Bench subsequently summoned Tesla Power India and its proprietors, directing them to submit their responses within three weeks. The case is scheduled for the next hearing on May 22.

The Delhi High Court ordered, “Counsel for defendants wishes to file a response and has handed up a set of documents in support of their defence. The same may be filed before the Court, as part of their reply to this application, with copy to the opposing counsel, within a period of 3 weeks from today. Rejoinder, if any, be filed thereafter before the next date. List on 22nd May, 2024.”