An Indian software company based in Belagavi, Karnataka, has filed a lawsuit against US-based artificial intelligence company Anthropic, accusing it of using a name that the Indian firm says it has owned and operated under for years.
The company, Anthropic Software Private Limited, was founded in 2017 and provides technology solutions in areas such as education platforms, digital connectivity, and safety systems. It claims that it has been legally using the name “Anthropic” in India well before the US AI startup entered the Indian market.
According to the lawsuit, the Indian firm says the arrival of Anthropic PBC, the American company known globally for developing the AI model Claude, has led to serious confusion among customers, partners, and even government departments. The firm argues that people often assume both companies are linked, which it says has affected its reputation and business operations.
Anthropic Software has approached the Commercial Court in Belagavi seeking legal protection for its brand identity. It has asked the court to recognise its prior use of the name in India and to stop the US company from using “Anthropic” in a way that could mislead customers. The Indian firm is also seeking damages of ₹1 crore for the alleged loss and harm caused by brand dilution.
The company’s founder stated that attempts were made earlier to resolve the issue through the trademark process, but the matter remained unresolved, forcing the firm to take legal action.
The case comes at a time when Anthropic PBC is expanding its footprint in India, including plans to set up offices and hire talent as part of its global growth strategy. The US company is backed by major investors and is considered one of the leading players in the fast-growing AI sector.
The court has issued notices to the US firm and is expected to hear the matter later this month. No interim relief has been granted so far.
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