In the heart of its expansion in India, the giant Tesla comes up against an unexpected obstacle: a local company sharing its name. A matter that will be resolved in court.
The manufacturer is used to legal cases, whether with its own shareholders or even for stories of supposedly failing Autopilot. This time, Tesla is faced with a conflict of a completely different kind. As it ramps up efforts to expand its presence in India with plans for a new factory, the company has hit a bone. A company called Tesla Power India.
When Tesla meets Tesla: a name confusion to be resolved in court
Tesla Power India is a company based in Gurgaon in Haryana, a state in northern India. It also operates in the United States, more precisely in Wilmington, the county seat of New Castle. Specializing in the energy sector, it manufactures lead-acid batteries, used in traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Elon Musk’s firm accuses the latter of illegally using the “Tesla Power” and “Tesla Power USA” brands. Faced with this undue appropriation of his identity, Tesla decided to take the case to the Delhi High Court. The American giant claims “ a permanent injunction and damages for trademark infringement and unfair trade competition » tells us the media Clean Automotive.
The clash of namesakes begins
Faced with Tesla’s accusations, Tesla Power India defends itself by asserting that it operates exclusively in the lead-acid battery sector and has no intention of launching into the manufacture of electric vehicles. A strategy of appeasement, in short.
However, the ramifications of this case appear to go beyond the simple legal framework. The recent postponement of Elon Musk’s trip to India, where he was expected to announce the introduction of the Tesla Model Y adapted for the local market, already in production in Germany, provoked mixed reactions from the authorities and the Indian public. This setback, coupled with Elon Musk’s visit to China, a rival country of India (which is trying to catch up at all costs) in the race for automobile electrification, was interpreted by some as a lack of interest in the Indian market.
This affair could harm Tesla’s business and image in India, especially from the authorities. On the other hand, let’s remain realistic, this will certainly not slow down its expansion in the country and there is no doubt that the brand’s cars will be plying its roads in some time. Tesla’s strength, its ability to adapt and the potential of the Indian market are factors that could largely offset the negative effects of this affair. See you on May 22 for the next chapter of this judicial soap opera.
Source : Clean Automotive
0