- Title: US giant Anthropic lands in legal soup over brand name in India
- Date: 18th February 2026
- Summary: BELAGAVI, KARNATAKA, INDIA (FEBRUARY 18, 2026) (ANI - No use India) EXTERIOR OF ANTHROPIC SOFTWARES PVT. LTD. INTERIOR OF ANTHROPIC SOFTWARES PVT. LTD. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF ANTHROPIC SOFTWARE, MOHAMMAD AYYAZ MULLA, SAYING: "But because of their (Anthropic) massive SEO push, literally we are not visible and identity is everything for any IT company.
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- Keywords: AI company Anthropic Bengaluru office Karnataka startup SEO impact Startup India brand dispute education app injunction plea legal battle patent holder prior use search visibility trademark row
- Location: BELAGAVI, KARNATAKA, INDIA
- City: BELAGAVI, KARNATAKA, INDIA
- Country: India
- Topics: Asia / Pacific,Company News Markets,Economic Events
- Reuters ID: LVA001NVBQO9B
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: EDITOR'S NOTE: VIDEO QUALITY AS INCOMING
An Indian technology start-up has moved a city civil court in Indian southern Karnataka seeking an injunction against US-based AI firm Anthropic over the use of the brand name "Anthropic", saying it has been using the mark since 2017.
The plea comes as the American company expands operations in India, including opening an office in Karnataka's state capital of Bengaluru.
Mohammad Ayaz, Founder-Director of Anthropic Softwares Private Limited, said his Karnataka-registered startup has been operating under the "Anthropic" brand for several years and has built products in the education and Wi-Fi technology space.
He further said the company holds multiple patents and serves thousands of educational institutions, adding that confusion over search results and online visibility increased after the US firm's India entry in December 2025.
Ayaz said the company has sought an injunction based on prior use rights under Indian law and expects protection for its brand identity.
A second legal notice has been sent to the US firm's Bengaluru office, and the matter is scheduled to be heard on March 9.
The startup is seeking a court direction restraining the US company from using the "Anthropic" name in India. - Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
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