Just as US-based artificial intelligence heavyweight Anthropic moves to deepen its footprint in India, the company has run into an unexpected legal hurdle — a trademark dispute over its own name.
A Karnataka-based firm has approached a commercial court claiming it has been operating under the name “Anthropic” since 2017, years before the American AI company entered the Indian market. The local firm has sought ₹1 crore in damages, alleging that Anthropic’s India entry could cause marketplace confusion and dilute its established identity.
Court records show that summons have already been issued to the US company following a hearing held on January 20. While no interim restraining order has been passed so far, the matter is scheduled for its next hearing on February 16.
The plaintiff company, owned by Mohammed Ayyaz Mulla, has argued that it has been using the Anthropic name continuously for commercial activities and branding for nearly a decade. In its petition, the firm said Anthropic’s global visibility and rapid India expansion risk misleading customers and partners into assuming an association between the two entities.
The Indian company has asked the court to recognise its prior usage rights and restrain the American firm from operating under the same name domestically unless a settlement is reached. It has also demanded financial compensation for alleged reputational and business harm.
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The legal clash comes at a sensitive moment for Anthropic, which has been accelerating its India strategy amid intensifying competition among global AI players. The company had announced plans to establish an Indian office last year and recently appointed former Microsoft India managing director Irina Ghosh as its India head.
Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei is also expected to participate in the upcoming AI Impact Summit, signalling the company’s intent to position India as a key growth market.
Industry observers note that India’s vast developer base, enterprise demand and rapidly expanding digital economy have turned the country into a critical battleground for AI majors, including OpenAI and Anthropic. However, trademark and brand conflicts with local entities remain a recurring challenge for foreign firms entering the market.
According to people familiar with the proceedings, the Karnataka company has told the court it is not seeking confrontation but clarity. “We want our identity protected. If the issue cannot be resolved amicably, we are prepared to pursue legal remedies,” the firm said in its submission.
Anthropic has not yet issued a public statement on the case.
Legal experts say such disputes typically hinge on proof of prior commercial use, trademark registrations and the likelihood of consumer confusion. If the local company successfully establishes continuous use of the name, Anthropic may be forced to negotiate a coexistence agreement, rebrand its India operations, or face prolonged litigation.
For now, the court has allowed Anthropic to continue operating while the case is heard, offering temporary relief to the Silicon Valley startup as it builds partnerships and hiring plans in the country.
The outcome of the February 16 hearing could shape how quickly Anthropic moves forward with its India rollout — and whether the company will have to rethink its branding strategy in one of the world’s fastest-growing AI markets.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
