Anthropic India seeks to exit Belagavi case in trademark row

Belagavi: Proceedings in a trademark and brand identity dispute before the principal district and commercial court in Belagavi took a significant turn on Tuesday, as Anthropic India Private Limited (AIPL) distanced itself from the US-based artificial intelligence firm Anthropic PBC in the ongoing litigation initiated by local startup Anthropic Softwares Private Limited (ASPL).

Appearing as defendant No. 2, AIPL, through its managing director Irina Ghose, filed objections contending that it is a separate legal entity incorporated in India and cannot be impleaded in the present suit. The company argued that the allegations are directed solely against Anthropic PBC (defendant No. 1) and that AIPL has no legal or operational nexus warranting its inclusion in the proceedings. The court has adjourned the matter to July 6 for further hearing.

ASPL has instituted the suit alleging infringement and passing off, naming both Anthropic PBC and its Indian affiliate as parties. While summons have been issued to both defendants, procedural constraints have delayed service on the US-based entity.

In its objection, AIPL stated that the plaintiff’s claims seek relief only against Anthropic PBC, and that the attempt to array the Indian subsidiary as a party is legally untenable. It also dismissed allegations that it is engaged in promoting or advancing the commercial interests of Anthropic PBC in India as “baseless and speculative”.

The Belagavi-based startup ASPL has sought a temporary injunction on the grounds of prior use, claiming continuous operation in the Indian IT sector since its incorporation in 2017. It has contended that Anthropic PBC, incorporated in California in 2021, entered the market after ASPL’s established presence, giving rise to a claim of prior rights over the disputed brand identity.