Belagavi: A Belagavi-based IT company has filed a civil suit against U.S.-based artificial intelligence major Anthropic PBC, alleging violation of its registered brand name and loss of business due to online identity confusion.
For more details : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/belagavi-based-it-company-challenges-us-based-ai-major-anthropic-for-using-same-name/article70624149.ece
Anthropic Software Private Limited (ASPL), located on Bauxite Road in Belagavi, was registered in India in 2017. The company claims that the American firm’s use of the same name has severely impacted its online visibility, with search engines and AI platforms prioritising the U.S.-based company in search results.
In the petition filed before the district court, ASPL founder director Ayyaz Mulla alleged passing off, misrepresentation and erosion of the Indian company’s brand identity. He stated that the company is suffering daily financial losses as most online searches for “Anthropic” now lead to the U.S. entity.
“Our company was registered in India in 2017, even before Anthropic PBC was incorporated in the U.S. They recently registered in India and opened an office in Bengaluru,” Mr. Mulla said.
The petitioner has requested the court to restrain the U.S. company from operating in India under the name “Anthropic” and has sought damages of approximately ₹1 crore.
While the court has not granted an interim injunction, it has issued notices to the U.S. firm. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 21 at the Belagavi district court.
ASPL, founded by four partners, focuses on research and development in artificial intelligence and has developed patented products in education technology, WiFi monetisation and online safety.
Further proceedings in the case are awaited.
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