As Anthropic expands to India, the artificial intelligence (AI) research firm is facing a legal challenge from a local technology company with the same name.
In a complaint filed in the Commercial Division of the District Court at Belagavi, Karnataka, in January, Anthropic Software, a local technology company, has alleged that the AI firm's recent India entry has led to passing off, misrepresentation and erosion of its brand identity in the country.
The firm is seeking a permanent injunction, restraining the AI giant from using the name Anthropic in India and withdrawal of India-facing services under that name and damages of Rs 1 crore.
“It is not only about the size of the companies but what is fair. Indian startups build credibility by delivering products, earning trust, and showing up year after year," Anthropic Software founder Mohammad Ayyaz Anees Ahmed Mulla said in a statement.
The development comes as Anthropic gears up to open its first India office in the country's tech capital Bengaluru to expand its international footprint amid intensifying competition from OpenAI, Google, Microsoft and Meta.
Anthropic co-founder Dario Amodei is expected to visit the country for AI Impact Summit in New Delhi next week.
What are the allegations?
The Belagavi-based firm, which develops and deploys digital platforms across education, connectivity and safety domains, has said that it has operated under the name Anthropic since 2017, while the US-based Anthropic PBC was formed in 2021.
In its petition, Anthropic Software alleged that the US giant's entry in India led to confusion among users, institutions and government stakeholders. Its online visibility has been displaced as search and AI-based platforms prominently prioritise the global AI giant’s name.
"When that hard-earned identity is suddenly drowned out online, the damage is real and immediate. Founders who play by the rules should not have to disappear simply because someone larger enters the space later,” Mulla said.
Moneycontrol has reached out to Anthropic PBC for a comment and will update the report when the response comes in.
What does Anthropic Software do?
Anthropic Software works with government bodies, educational institutions and student communities across India, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Its portfolio includes an AI-enabled education ERP and competitive examination ecosystem, a Wi-Fi monetisation platform for institutions and public networks, and a driving safety solution.
In its petition, Anthropic Software has said it suffered loss of business opportunities, diversion of enquiries and dilution of goodwill due to the alleged misrepresentation.
What did the court say?
The Belagavi court issued a notice and summons to Anthropic on January 20 but declined to provide an interim injunction.
"At this stage, I have not found any such imminent threat in order to grant an ex-parte order of temporary injunction, without issuing notice to the defendant and without hearing the defendant," the order said. The case will next be heard on February 16.
What is Anthropic's India plan?
Anthropic first announced its plan to open an India office in Bengaluru in October 2025.
The company also said it plans to hire a local team focused on building AI for unique local uses across the country, its largest market outside the United States. Moneycontrol was the first to report on Anthropic's plans to open the Bengaluru office.
Anthropic said its India team will work closely with policymakers and academic institutions, strengthen developer engagement, and build partnerships with enterprises and organisations using AI to address local challenges.
In January, Anthropic appointed former Microsoft India leader Irina Ghose as India managing director.
The company was last valued at $183 billion when it raised $13 billion funding in September 2025, led by investment firm Iconiq. It is reportedly in the final stages of raising $20 billion in fresh capital at a valuation of $350 billion.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
