Tesla sues India’s Tesla Power over reputational risks

The Indian Express newspaper shared details of the case. According to the publication, Tesla drew attention to the Indian company Tesla Power in 2022 and submitted a pre-trial complaint asking to stop the use of the Tesla Power USA brand in advertising campaigns.

There was no response, so it was decided to take the process to court: “Because the defendant continued to advertise and sell its products, this lawsuit was filed” (from a Tesla Inc note in the court file).

The judge allowed the Indian company to submit written responses to the plaintiff’s requests within three weeks as part of the presentation of documents in support of its defense. The next hearing is scheduled for May 22.

According to the India Times newspaper, the American company bases its concerns about consumer confusion and risks to its reputation on user letters that reach Tesla. Consumers are sending complaints about the quality of Tesla Power batteries from India to the United States, believing the companies are connected.

In response to these accusations, representatives of the Indian company claim that the manufacturer has never been associated with electric vehicles. The company has been producing lead-acid batteries for many years and its clientele exceeds one million people.

Both publications draw attention to the fact that the trial began amid news about the postponement of Elon Musk’s proposed visit to India (it was due to take place in April). The billionaire, according to some sources, intended to discuss Tesla’s entry into the country’s market with the Indian authorities.