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Gensol had filed a suit claiming ownership of the trademark ‘eZio’ and argued that Mahindra’s use of the name ‘eZEO’ was likely to confuse customers. The company asserted that it planned to launch its own EV under the ‘eZio’ brand in 2025.
Justice Amit Bansal dismissed the interim relief plea, stating, “The applicant (Gensol) has failed to make a case for interim injunction. The application is dismissed.”
Arguments in court
Gensol filed the case in September 2024 after Mahindra announced the launch of its commercial EV, ‘eZEO’. In October, Gensol sought an urgent court order to halt Mahindra from selling vehicles under the disputed name.
Mahindra countered the claim, arguing that the launch date and the trademark application for ‘eZEO’ had been made public well in advance. The company also stated it had already sold vehicles under the ‘eZEO’ name, making Gensol’s request untimely.
Taking these submissions into account, the court declined to grant interim relief. Justice Bansal remarked, “The defendant (Mahindra) has to be given an opportunity to file a reply before considering the grant of any interim injunction. Hence, I am not inclined to grant an ad interim injunction order at this stage.”
The court has directed Mahindra to file a written response to Gensol’s claims within 10 days.
Trademark dispute
Gensol secured a trademark registration for ‘eZio’ in 2023 under class 12, covering vehicles and related components. On the other hand, Mahindra filed its trademark application for ‘eZEO’ in September 2024, which remains under review by the Registrar of Trademarks.
The vehicles in question
Mahindra’s eZEO is a small commercial electric vehicle (SCV) designed for last-mile delivery and urban transportation. Featuring high-voltage architecture, the eZEO offers a longer range, faster charging times, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety.
Meanwhile, Gensol plans to launch its first compact EV, the ‘Ezio’, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, scheduled from 17 to 22 January at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The two-door, two-seater urban commuter will boast a range of up to 200 km on a full charge and a top speed of 80 km/h.
Senior advocate Chander M Lall, along with advocates Swapnil Gaur, Annanya Mehan and Abhinav, represented Gensol in court.
Mahindra was represented by senior advocates Rajiv Nayar and Akhil Sibal, supported by advocates Ankur Sangal, Smriti Yadav, Sucheta Roy, Amrit Sharma, Ridhie Bajaj and Sarah Haque.
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