Anthropic’s India expansion collides with a local company that already had the name

Local Software Company Files Complaint Against Anthropic’s Expansion into India

Anthropic’s recent expansion into India has sparked a legal battle with a local software company that claims it has been using the name “Anthropic” since 2017. This clash underscores the challenges that arise when global AI firms collide with established local players.

The Indian company, Anthropic Software, filed a complaint in a commercial court in Karnataka in January, alleging that Anthropic’s entry into the Indian market has caused customer confusion. The company is seeking recognition of its prior use of the name and ₹10 million in damages to prevent further confusion.

Anthropic Software founder Mohammad Ayyaz Mulla stated that the company’s intention is not to engage in confrontation but to seek clarity and acknowledgment of its prior use in India. He mentioned that legal action was a last resort if an amicable resolution could not be reached.

India’s significance as a key market for global AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI is evident, with the country hosting an AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei is scheduled to speak at the summit alongside industry leaders such as Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai.

A court order dated January 20 revealed that the court has issued notice and suit summons to Anthropic. However, it did not grant an interim injunction and scheduled the matter to be revisited on February 16.

Despite multiple attempts to reach out for comment, Anthropic did not respond to requests.