Belagavi IT Firm Gains Upper Hand in Trademark Dispute with US AI Giant
The ongoing trademark conflict between US-based artificial intelligence company Anthropic PBC and Belagavi-based IT firm Anthropic Softwares Private Limited has intensified significantly. In a crucial development, the Registrar of Trademarks has accepted the Karnataka entity's registration application, recognizing its prior use rights in the Indian market.
Legal Proceedings Escalate with Court Summons
Anthropic Softwares has initiated legal action against Anthropic PBC to protect its brand name and corporate identity. The Principal District and Commercial Court in Belagavi has issued two formal summons to the American company, compelling its appearance before the judicial body. The next hearing in this contentious case is scheduled for March 9, marking a critical juncture in the dispute.
The Belagavi-based company has specifically requested an interim injunction to prevent Anthropic PBC from utilizing the "Anthropic" name within Indian territory. This legal maneuver stems from Anthropic Softwares' claim of continuous brand usage since 2017, predating the US firm's trademark registration in 2021 by several years.
Trademark Registrar's Decision Favors Local Company
The Registrar of Trademarks accepted Anthropic Softwares' application on February 19 under Class 42 without imposing any conditions. This decision fundamentally acknowledges the company's prior use rights, establishing a significant precedent in the case. Mohammad Ayyaz Mulla, founder and CEO of Anthropic Softwares, expressed confidence about the impending trademark grant following this regulatory approval.
"The Registrar of Trademarks accepted our application considering our prior use rights, and we expect the trademark to be granted shortly," Mulla stated. "We have also applied for rectification of the trademark previously granted to the US company and remain hopeful for a just resolution soon."
Background and Strategic Implications
Anthropic PBC recently established an office in Bengaluru, marking its second Asian operational base following its Japanese expansion. This move into the Indian market has directly precipitated the current legal confrontation with the established Belagavi entity.
Mulla explained the company's delayed trademark registration attempt, revealing that Anthropic Softwares dedicated the past five to six years primarily to research and development activities. "We never anticipated that an external entity would secure the trademark using the identical name," he remarked, highlighting the unexpected nature of the conflict.
The trademark acceptance represents a substantial victory for the Indian company in its effort to maintain brand sovereignty against international competition. As both entities prepare for the March court hearing, the technology and legal communities await a resolution that could establish important precedents for trademark protection and corporate identity rights in India's rapidly expanding digital economy.
