Tesla Sues Indian Battery Maker for Trademark Infringement

In a legal battle over brand rights, Tesla Power USA, a Gurgaon-based battery manufacturer with global headquarters in Delaware, faces a lawsuit filed by the Elon Musk-owned electric vehicle (EV) giant. The controversy arises from the Indian company's use of the brand name "Tesla," an apparent reference to the renowned 19th-century inventor, Nikola Tesla.

Tesla, incorporated in Delaware, alleges that the Indian battery maker has been employing trade names such as "Tesla Power" and "Tesla Power USA." Despite receiving a cease-and-desist order, the Indian counterpart purportedly continued to market its products under the contentious brand name.

During a recent hearing at the Delhi High Court, Tesla emphasized its efforts to resolve the matter, while the Indian company defended its position, asserting its focus on battery manufacturing rather than electric vehicles.

The court has granted Tesla Power USA three weeks to submit its written responses following the presentation of its defence document.

Tesla asserts that it notified its Indian counterpart of the issue in 2022, receiving no satisfactory response, leading to the initiation of legal action.

Meanwhile, Tesla is undergoing significant restructuring, including the dismissal of key executives and longstanding employees, with reports indicating the termination of the entire Supercharging team.

According to its website, the Indian battery manufacturer is dedicated to providing high-quality batteries at competitive prices and has introduced India's premier refurbished battery brand as part of its mission.