Anthropic’s expansion into India clashes with local company that already had the name

As Anthropic expands into India, a local software company has filed a court complaint alleging it is already using the name “Anthropic,” highlighting how the AI ​​company’s rapid global expansion could clash with local incumbents.

The filing comes as Anthropic deepens its focus on India, announcing last October the opening of an office in India and recently appointing former Microsoft India managing director Irina Goth to lead its operations in the country, highlighting the growing importance of the South Asian market for global AI companies expanding beyond the US and Europe.

In a complaint filed in Karnataka Commercial Court in January seen by TechCrunch, Indian company Anthropic Software says it has been using the name since 2017 and that Anthropic’s recent entry into India has caused confusion among customers. The company is seeking recognition of previous use and relief to prevent further disruption, as well as 10 million rupees (approximately $110,000) in damages.

Mohammad Ayyaz Mulla, founder and director of Anthropic Software, told TechCrunch that Indian companies are not looking for confrontation, but clarity and recognition of previous use in India, adding that if clean coexistence cannot be achieved, litigation is on the back burner.

“We are exercising our legal rights at this time because it has caused significant disruption to our customers,” he said.

India, the world’s most populous country and one of the fastest-growing internet markets, has become a key battleground for AI companies like Anthropic and its rival OpenAI. The country is scheduled to host the AI ​​Impact Summit in New Delhi next week, where Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei will attend along with other industry leaders including Sam Altman, Jensen Huang and Sundar Pichai.

A court order dated January 20, seen by TechCrunch, indicates that the court has issued a notice and summons to Anthropic. However, the company did not grant the preliminary injunction and remanded the matter to February 16th.

Anthropic did not respond to a request for comment.