American EV giant, Tesla Inc has sued Indian company Tesla Power over naming rights
Tesla Inc. became involved in a legal dispute in New Delhi earlier this week. The American is seeking compensation and a restraining order against Tesla Power India, a local battery manufacturer. According to the news publication Reuters, despite receiving a cease-and-desist notification in April 2022, the Indian entity continued to use the name ‘Tesla’ in its promotional materials for battery units.
In response, Tesla Inc.’s legal representatives argued before the judge and highlighted the sophisticated technology integrated into their vehicles and energy storage solutions compared to Tesla Power’s production of traditional lead acid batteries and is considered outdated.
What’s the current position of the company?
However, Tesla Power’s legal counsel defended Tesla’s position, claiming it exclusively produces traditional lead acid batteries. Interestingly, the company’s website prominently displayed branding as “Tesla Power USA” with headquarters in Delaware, mirroring Tesla Inc.’s establishment location.
The judge granted the Indian company a 21-day period to present written counterarguments along with validating documents claiming its right to name usage. Moreover, Tesla Power was been barred from circulating any promotional content which contains trademarks that are owned by Tesla Inc. The next hearing is scheduled for May 22.
India Meeting & More Affordable Tesla
According to recent reports, the brand’s position to set up a manufacturing plant in India is on hold due to several losses. Initially, Elon Musk was stated to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 21. That meeting was postponed, while the automaker planned to make a surprising visit to China to meet Li Quang. The meeting was aimed to achieve Full Self Driving tech for China’s electric vehicle buyers.
The American EV giant is currently concentrating on making more affordable cars that will be the entry gate into Tesla’s ecosystem. Similar to the Model 3 and the Model Y, Tesla is slated to launch its affordable versions, targeting to cater more diverse audience in its markets. The upcoming Tesla car will be an affordable version of its current model and will offer several features with a toned-down version, aimed for developing markets such as Indonesia and India.
Also read: Brand New Kia Electric Cars Launching Soon in India
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