As Anthropic expands its operations in India, a local software firm has filed a court complaint claiming it had been using the name “Anthropic” prior, highlighting potential conflicts that can arise when rapidly growing AI companies enter established local markets. This legal action coincides with Anthropic’s intensified focus on the Indian market, having announced an office there last October and recently appointing former Microsoft India managing director Irina Ghose to lead its country operations—demonstrating the increasing significance of South Asia to global AI firms expanding beyond the U. S. and Europe. In a commercial court complaint filed in Karnataka in January and reviewed by TechCrunch, the Indian company Anthropic Software contends it has been using the “Anthropic” name since 2017. It claims that Anthropic’s recent entry into India has caused customer confusion. The company seeks recognition of its prior rights, an order to prevent further confusion, and damages of ₹10 million (approximately $110, 000). Mohammad Ayyaz Mulla, founder and director of Anthropic Software, told TechCrunch that while the company does not wish to engage in confrontation, it aims for clarity and acknowledgment of its earlier use of the name in India.

He noted litigation would only be considered if a peaceful coexistence is unattainable. “At this point, I am exercising my legal rights as this situation is creating significant confusion among my customers, ” he stated. India, with the world’s largest population and one of the fastest-expanding internet markets, has become a critical arena for AI companies like Anthropic and its competitor OpenAI. The country is also preparing to host an AI Impact Summit in New Delhi next week, where Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei will appear alongside industry leaders such as Sam Altman, Jensen Huang, and Sundar Pichai. A court order dated January 20, seen by TechCrunch, indicates that the court has issued notice and suit summons to Anthropic. While an interim injunction was not granted, the case is scheduled to be reviewed again on February 16. Anthropic did not respond to requests for comment.