Anthropic’s expansion into India has triggered a legal challenge; a local software company says it has used the same name for years.
When Anthropic announced plans to open an office in the country, a future name tussle wasn’t on its list.
The company has set the ball rolling fast, appointing Irina Ghose as head of its India operations.
Ghose previously served as managing director of Microsoft India. Her appointment was Anthropics’ own strategy for success.
India has become a priority market for AI companies; it is the world’s most populous country. It is also one of the fastest-growing internet markets.
For firms expanding beyond the U.S. and Europe, India now takes center stage.
Also read: Why Elon Musk’s Grok Is Shaking Up India
The Indian Company
In January, an Indian firm called Anthropic Software filed a complaint in a commercial court in Karnataka.
Anthropic Software says it has used the name “Anthropic” since 2017. It argues that Anthropic’s recent entry into India has confused customers.
According to the complaint, some customers now believe the two companies are connected. The firm says this confusion has harmed its business.
Because of this, Anthropic Software is asking the court to recognize its prior use of the name in India.
It is also seeking relief to prevent further confusion and seeking ₹10 million in damages, or about $110,000.
Legal Action
Mohammad Ayyaz Mulla, founder and director of Anthropic Software, says the company did not seek conflict. Instead, he wanted clarity.
He said that customer confusion forced him to act and to exercise his legal rights because the issue had already affected his customers.
Mulla also said litigation was not his first choice. He added that court action became necessary only after efforts to achieve clear coexistence failed.
Court Issues
The court has already taken initial steps. A court order dated January 20 shows that notice and suit summons have been issued to Anthropic.
However, the court declined to grant an interim injunction. This means Anthropic is not required to stop its activities in India at this stage.
The matter is scheduled to return to court on February 16, as no final decision has been made yet.
The Indian Market
Companies such as Anthropic and OpenAI see the country as a major growth opportunity.
India is also preparing to host a major industry event, AI Impact Summit, next week in New Delhi. Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei is set to appear at the event.
He will join other industry leaders, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai.
Also read: Google Launches AI Mode in India
