Anthropic India appears in court over brand name dispute with startup

US AI firm Anthropic's Indian subsidiary appeared in a Belagavi court following a brand name dispute case filed by local startup Anthropic Softwares. The court has adjourned the matter to March 23 for further arguments.

In a significant development in a brand-name dispute, Anthropic India Private Limited, the Indian subsidiary of US-based AI firm Anthropic PBC, appeared before the Belagavi District and Commercial Court on Monday following a summons issued in a case filed by the Belagavi-based IT startup Anthropic Softwares Private Limited.

The dispute centres on the use of the "Anthropic" brand name. The Belagavi startup has accused the US company and its Indian subsidiary of infringing on its brand identity and has sought legal protection. Earlier in January, the court had issued a summons to Anthropic PBC asking it to appear on February 16. Subsequently, the court also summoned its Indian subsidiary to appear on March 9.

Arguments Presented in Court

During Monday's hearing, the counsel representing Anthropic India Private Limited argued that although it is a subsidiary of the US-based parent company, it is a separate legal entity registered in India and has no direct connection with the claims made in the original suit. Responding to the argument, the counsel for the Belagavi-based company stated that both the parent firm and its Indian subsidiary had been made parties to the case as part of the legal proceedings. Presiding over the case, Judge Manjunath Nayak posted the matter for further hearing on March 23, allowing the defendant to present detailed arguments. The court also directed that a fresh summons be issued to the US address of Anthropic PBC.

Plaintiff Alleges Delay Tactics, Seeks Injunction

Speaking after the hearing, Ayyaz Mulla, Managing Director of Anthropic Softwares Private Limited, alleged that the defendants were attempting to prolong the case by raising technical objections rather than addressing the main dispute. He said the company would continue to press for an interim injunction, claiming that the ongoing dispute was affecting its brand and business prospects.

According to him, the startup is preparing to launch educational and other patented IT products in the Indian and global markets. Mulla expressed confidence that the court would take note of the potential impact on the Belagavi-based firm and provide legal protection in accordance with Indian law.

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