On 24-25 November 2025, the Delhi High Court — in a case filed by Tesla, Inc. — issued an interim order restraining Tesla Power India from using the “Tesla” trademark, logo, or any deceptively similar mark, in any form of advertisement or product marketing.
- The restraining order covers a wide range of products: vehicle batteries, automotive UPS systems, inverters, VRLA batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and any EV-related offerings
- The court also upheld an earlier undertaking by Tesla Power India that it will not manufacture or market electric vehicles (EVs) under the “Tesla” name or any similar brand — and ordered that this undertaking remain in force until the final verdict in the trademark suit.
🔎 Background: Why This Dispute Started
- The dispute began in May 2024 when Tesla, Inc. filed a lawsuit against Tesla Power India for alleged trademark infringement. Tesla claimed the use of “Tesla” branding by the Indian firm misled consumers into believing it was associated with the global EV maker — especially as Tesla prepared its India market entry. Bar and Bench
- Tesla Power India had previously assured the court that it would not enter the EV business or market products under the Tesla name. Despite this, Tesla claimed the firm continued advertising EV-related products (even e-scooters) under its branding, violating the undertaking
- Mediation between the two parties failed, leading the court to resume hearings and eventually issue the interim restraint order.
🛑 What the Order Means for Tesla Power India
- Tesla Power must stop using the “Tesla” name or any similar branding for all its products — batteries, EV-related products, or advertising materials — until the matter is finally resolved.
- The company must scrub all online/offline ads, product listings, packaging, and marketing content that reference “Tesla.”
- Any EV-related manufacturing, sales, or promotion under the disputed mark are temporarily prohibited by the court.
🌐 Why This Is Significant — For Tesla, India & EV Market
- For Tesla, Inc.: The ruling strengthens its trademark protection in India just as it expands into the country’s EV market. It reduces risk of consumer confusion with local firms that might use similar branding.
- For Indian EV and battery-firms: The order sends a strong message about trademark enforcement — similar brand names tied to famous global companies will draw strict scrutiny.
- For consumers: The court’s action helps protect customers from misleading marketing and ensures brand clarity, especially important in the rapidly evolving EV ecosystem.
- For competition: The ruling may deter branded-claims mirroring global names, encouraging more honest, original branding strategies in India’s EV and battery space.
✅ What Comes Next
- The case will continue in court and a final verdict will determine whether Tesla Power India can use any variant of the “Tesla” name in future. Until then, the interim ban remains.
- Tesla Power India will likely need to rebrand or rename its products and marketing materials to comply with the injunction.
- Other firms in the EV/battery sector may review and revise their branding to avoid similar legal challenges.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s decision to restrain Tesla Power India from using the “Tesla” name marks a key win for Tesla, Inc. — especially as it pushes into the Indian EV market. The interim order reinforces the importance of trademark protection and may reshape branding practices in India’s growing electric-vehicle and battery industry. For now, Tesla Power must operate under new constraints until the final court verdict — and the case sets an important precedent for global-brand protection in India.
