Anthropic’s Expansion into India

Anthropic, a prominent artificial‑intelligence company, announced an office in India last October and later appointed former Microsoft India managing director Irina Ghose to lead its Indian operations. The move reflects the company’s strategy to tap into India’s large and rapidly expanding internet market, a region increasingly viewed as a key battleground for AI firms worldwide.

Name Conflict and Legal Action

Shortly after Anthropic’s entry, Anthropic Software, an Indian software firm that has been using the name “Anthropic” since 2017, filed a complaint in a commercial court in Karnataka. The complaint, reviewed by TechCrunch, alleges that Anthropic’s recent activities have caused confusion among customers. Anthropic Software’s founder and director, Mohammad Ayyaz Mulla, stated that the company is not seeking confrontation but rather clarity and recognition of its prior use. The filing seeks formal acknowledgment of the earlier name usage, relief to prevent further confusion, and damages of ₹10 million.

Implications for the Indian AI Market

The dispute underscores the competitive nature of India’s AI landscape, where global players such as Anthropic and its rival OpenAI are vying for market share. India’s status as the world’s most populous nation and one of the fastest‑growing internet markets makes it an attractive arena for AI development and deployment. The naming conflict illustrates how rapid international expansion can clash with existing local entities, raising questions about trademark practices and brand coexistence in emerging markets.

Court Proceedings

A court order dated January 20 shows that the Karnataka court issued notice and suit summons to Anthropic but declined to grant an interim injunction. The matter is scheduled to return before the court on February 16. Anthropic has not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.

Meanwhile, India is set to host an AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where Anthropic co‑founder and chief executive Dario Amodei will appear alongside industry leaders such as Sam Altman, Jensen Huang, and Sundar Pichai. The summit highlights the country’s growing prominence in global AI discussions, even as legal challenges like the Anthropic name dispute unfold.

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