Delhi High Court Allows Mahindra to Continue Selling e-ZEO
The Delhi High Court has rejected Gensol Electric Vehicles’ plea to restrain Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, from selling its commercial electric vehicle, e-ZEO. Gensol had argued that Mahindra’s use of the name ‘e-ZEO’ infringed on its trademark ‘eZio’ and would create public confusion.
Justice Amit Bansal, presiding over the case, dismissed the plea, stating that the vehicles cater to distinct markets. Gensol’s vehicle is an electric passenger vehicle, while Mahindra’s e-ZEO is a commercial electric four-wheeler. Since Gensol has yet to launch its vehicle, the court noted that the risk of public confusion is minimal.
Vehicles Cater to Different Market Segments
The court highlighted significant differences between the two vehicles. Mahindra’s e-ZEO is a commercial vehicle designed for business purposes, while Gensol’s upcoming product targets individual passengers. The vehicles vary in shape, size, and configuration, further reducing the likelihood of confusion among potential customers.
Justice Bansal pointed out that Gensol has not established a presence in the market. As its vehicle has not been launched, it has no existing goodwill associated with the trademark ‘eZio.’ On the other hand, Mahindra is an established name in the electric commercial vehicle sector, with its e-ZEO already available in the market.
Court Finds Mahindra’s Intentions Bona Fide
Mahindra justified its use of the name ‘e-ZEO,’ explaining that it stands for "Zero Emission Option," reflecting the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. The court found Mahindra’s adoption of the name to be in good faith and noted that the company had announced the launch of its vehicle before Gensol disclosed its trademark.
The court emphasised that Mahindra’s actions were not aimed at copying Gensol’s mark or leveraging its reputation. Justice Bansal remarked that Gensol’s trademark was publicly revealed on September 25, 2024, while Mahindra had already announced the launch of its vehicle earlier. This timeline demonstrated that Mahindra’s use of the name ‘e-ZEO’ was independent and unrelated to Gensol’s trademark.
Court Decision Favors Mahindra
The court ruled in favour of Mahindra, citing that the balance of convenience favoured the company, which had already launched its product. Stopping Mahindra from selling the e-ZEO at this stage would have caused unnecessary disruption to its operations.
Justice Bansal also noted that since Gensol has yet to enter the market, its claim lacked merit. The absence of any product under the ‘eZio’ trademark meant there was no existing market reputation or goodwill to protect.
Mahindra’s Market Leadership
The Delhi High Court’s decision solidifies Mahindra’s position as a leading player in the electric vehicle market. The e-ZEO, launched in October, continues to make strides in the commercial electric vehicle segment, reinforcing Mahindra’s reputation for innovation and reliability.
Meanwhile, Gensol’s entry into the electric vehicle space remains awaited as the company plans to launch its passenger electric vehicle in the future.
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