CE Info Systems, the parent entity of MapMyIndia has accused Ola Electric of copying its data to build Ola Maps, according to a news report by Forbes India, adding that Ola cached and saved the data, and reverse engineered a licenced product.
The allegations were revealed on a day Ola held a media briefing to talk about its upcoming public issue. On the sidelines of the event, Bhavish Aggarwal refused to comment on the controversy. CE Info Systems declined to comment when Forbes India reached out.
Ola Electric has called the allegations 'false and misleading'.
“Ola Electric wishes to address the recent claims made by CE Info Systems Limited (“CE Info”) in relation to the alleged issues with Ola Maps vis-à-vis MapMyIndia and reported in news media. We would like to state unequivocally that these allegations are false, malicious and misleading. Ola Electric stands by the integrity of its business practices. We will suitably respond to the notice shortly," said Ola Electric's spokesperson to Moneycontrol.
Forbes India quoted a legal document sent to Ola Electric by CE Info Systems, which said, "You have duplicated our client’s API (application programming interface) and SDKs (software development kits) from proprietary sources belonging to our client to build OLA Maps. It is firmly stated that our client’s exclusive data has been copied/derived by you to further your illegal motive and for your unjust commercial gains."
Ride-hailing company Ola Cabs had for the first time announced a partnership with MapmyIndia back in 2015 through a multi-year licence to seek access to its mapping data. Subsequently in 2022, Ola Electric onboarded MapMyIndia's services on to the S1 Pro electric scooter.
Ride-hailing company Ola Cabs has shifted from Google Maps to its in-house Ola Maps for operations earlier this month, and said that it will result in a saving of nearly Rs 100 crore a year.
The IPO activities of Ola Electric have kicked off, with the company announcing a price band of Rs 72-76 a share for the public offering which opens for subscription on August 2. Anchor investor bidding will take place on August 1 and the issue will close on August 6. The Total market capitalisation of Ola Electric is projected to be around Rs 33,500 crore.
OLA had a 35 percent market share in the electric two-wheeler (E2W) segment by the end of fiscal 2024, up significantly from 21 percent in the previous financial year.
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