Tesla is known worldwide for its advanced technology and constant innovation—but this time, the company is making headlines in India for a very different reason. The Delhi High Court has ruled in Tesla’s favor, giving a temporary injunction against an Indian company that was using a name similar to “Tesla.” This Tesla Trademark Infringement Case is a strong reminder that even the biggest global brands fiercely protect their intellectual property rights (IPR) and won’t hesitate to act when someone tries to benefit from their goodwill. Keep reading to understand what this dispute is about, why the Delhi High Court sided with Tesla, and catch up on the latest IP news from India and around the world.
How Did the Trademark Conflict Between Tesla and an Indian Company Start?
Before understanding why the Delhi High Court ultimately sided with Elon Musk’s company, it’s important to know how this whole trademark case even started. The issue goes back to 2022, when Tesla noticed something odd—an Indian company was operating under the name “Tesla Power India.” This raised immediate red flags, and Tesla Inc. sent the company a cease-and-desist notice after discovering that it was using the “Tesla” name in its branding and promotions. But despite the warning, the Indian company didn’t stop. According to Tesla Inc., Tesla Power India and some of its dealers continued using the name and even promoted or sold e-scooters and EV-related products under “Tesla” branding.
In response, Tesla Power India argued that it was only in the business of batteries, inverters, and UPS systems, and had no plans to enter the EV market. However, as Tesla was getting ready for its official launch in India, it argued that this kind of branding could easily confuse customers and damage its global reputation. With mediation failing, Tesla Inc. finally took the matter to the Delhi High Court in 2024, accusing Tesla Power India of trademark infringement, passing off, and trying to ride on Tesla’s goodwill. The court then asked the Indian company to provide full details of any EV-related activities in the Tesla Trademark Infringement Case, which eventually paved the way for the interim order in Tesla’s favor.
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What Led the Delhi HC to Restrain Tesla Power India From Using the ‘Tesla’ Name?
Now, let’s look at why the Delhi High Court decided to support Tesla in this trademark infringement battle. After Tesla Inc. filed the lawsuit in 2024, the court took the matter seriously from the start. It asked Tesla Power India to file a detailed affidavit explaining whether it had sold any electric vehicles, who its dealers were, when these products were launched, and how much stock it had.
The court even tried sending both sides to mediation in the Tesla Trademark Infringement Case, but when that didn’t work out, the case came back for a full hearing. During the proceedings, Tesla Inc. showed clear evidence that Tesla Power India’s use of the “Tesla” name could easily confuse customers—especially at a time when the real Tesla was officially entering the Indian market. The court also noticed that Tesla Power India had previously promised not to use the “Tesla” name for EVs, but still appeared to be doing so. Since “Tesla” is a globally known brand, the judges felt there was a real risk of customers being misled and the brand’s reputation being diluted. To avoid any further confusion until the case is fully decided, the Delhi High Court issued an interim order in November 2025, stopping Tesla Power India from using the name “Tesla” or anything similar for EVs or promotions—essentially siding with the Elon Musk-owned company.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s decision highlights how seriously trademark rights are taken—especially when it involves a globally recognised brand like Tesla. By stepping in with an interim order, the court aimed to prevent confusion in the market and protect consumers as well as the integrity of Tesla’s brand. As the Tesla Trademark Infringement Case continues, it also serves as a reminder to businesses that using names similar to established brands can lead to major legal trouble. The final outcome is still pending, but for now, Tesla has secured a strong advantage in protecting its identity in the Indian market.
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