AI giant Anthropic is now facing legal trouble in India after a local software company claimed prior use of the name ‘Anthropic’. As reported by TechCrunch, Anthropic Software an Indian software company founded in 2017, filed a complaint in a commercial court in Karnataka in January this year arguing that the US-based AI firm’s expansion into India has caused customer confusion. The company is also seeking recognition of its prior use, relief to prevent further confusion and Rs 10 million ($110,000) in damages.Anthropic Software founder and director Mohammad Ayyaz Mulla told TechCrunch that litigation was not the company’s first choice but became necessary to protect identity. “As of now, I am exercising my legal right as it’s causing huge confusion to my customers,” he said, adding that coexistence would have been preferable if clarity could be achieved.

Anthropic’s expansion in India

The dispute comes as Anthropic plans to expand in India. The company announced an India office last October and it also recently appointed Irina Ghose, former Microsoft India managing director to lead its India operations. India has become a key battleground for global AI firms, including Anthropic and rival OpenAI, as they expand beyond the US and Europe.

Court proceedings

As per the TechCrunch report, a court order dated January 20 shows that Karnataka court has issued a notice and suit summons to Anthropic. However, it declined to grant an interim injunction, with the matter scheduled to return on February 16. Anthropic has not responded to requests for comment.The timing for the dispute around Anthropic is quite notable as India prepares to host the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi next week. The summit is said to be attended byAnthropic CEO Dario Amodei along with other tech leaders such as Sam Altman, Jensen Huang, and Sundar Pichai.