The Delhi High Court has delivered a significant win for Elon Musk's Tesla Inc. in its ongoing trademark dispute with Tesla Power India Pvt. Ltd., a Gurugram-based battery manufacturer. In an order passed on November 24, 2025, Justice Tejas Karia restrained Tesla Power India from using the "Tesla" trademark, related logos, or the designation "Tesla Power USA" in any manner, offering interim protection to the American electric vehicle giant.
The injunction prohibits Tesla Power India from using the contested marks in connection with a wide array of products, including batteries for all types of vehicles, automotive UPS systems, inverters, and solar hybrid batteries. This extends to online and e-commerce platforms, advertisements, and any form of marketplace outreach. The court's decision remains in effect until the final resolution of the trademark infringement suit filed by Tesla Inc.
Tesla Inc. initiated legal action in May 2024, alleging that Tesla Power India was infringing on its trademark and creating confusion among consumers by suggesting an affiliation with the US company's electric vehicles and clean energy products. Tesla argued that consumers were mistakenly purchasing Tesla Power's lead-acid batteries and inverters, believing them to be associated with Elon Musk's innovative technology. Tesla Inc. contended that this was weakening its brand equity, particularly given its plans to enter the Indian market.
The court acknowledged Tesla Inc.'s argument that it possesses a trans-border reputation, with its brand being well-known in India even before its market entry. Justice Karia emphasized that Tesla Inc. had established a strong prima facie case, supported by prior registration and extensive international use of its trademark. The court further noted that Tesla Power India's use of "Tesla Power USA" appeared to be a deliberate attempt to mislead customers into believing that its technology originated in the United States and was connected to Tesla Inc.
Prior to the court's order, Tesla Power India had stated that it did not intend to manufacture electric vehicles and primarily dealt with lead-acid batteries for automobiles, inverters, and UPS systems. The company also claimed that its advertisements featuring the Tesla trademark were part of a marketing alliance with another company, e-Ashwa. However, Tesla Inc. presented evidence suggesting that Tesla Power India had sold 699 e-Ashwa scooters bearing the Tesla branding.
The Delhi High Court had initially referred the matter to mediation in hopes of an amicable resolution. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful. The court then directed Tesla Power India to take steps to comply with the orders and refrain from any EV-related activity using the Tesla mark.
The interim injunction marks a significant victory for Tesla Inc. in protecting its brand and intellectual property in India. The court's decision underscores the importance of safeguarding trademarks and preventing consumer confusion in an increasingly globalized marketplace. The case will now proceed for further hearings as Tesla Inc. seeks a permanent injunction against Tesla Power India's use of the contested trademarks.
