Anthropic to get trademark – The Hindu

The Registrar of Trademarks in India has accepted the application for a trademark filed by Belagavi-based Anthropic Software Private Ltd. Its application was considered valid based on the principle of prior usage.

The firm, founded by IT professional Mohammad Ayyaz Mulla, has challenged U.S.-based Anthropic PBC over the use of the same name. It has now filed a rectification petition seeking cancellation of the trademark granted to Anthropic PBC.

It has already filed a suit against Anthropic PBC to protect its brand name and identity. The Principal District and Commercial Court in Belagavi has issued two summons so far to the U.S. company to appear at the next hearing, scheduled on March 9. Mr. Mulla had sought an interim injunction restraining Anthropic PBC from using the name “Anthropic” in India, arguing that it has been using the brand since 2017, while the US company registered it in 2021.

Anthropic PBC had earlier secured the “Anthropic” trademark to run its business in India, even before it registered in India. The Belagavi firm, however, claims it has challenged the registration before Indian authorities.

“The Registrar of Trade Marks accepted our application on February 19, considering our prior use rights, and we expect the trademark to be granted shortly. We hope to get justice soon,” said Mr. Mulla said.

He said his company has been conducting research and development on various areas, including integrating AI in various tools and systems. It has developed several products, including Dopanet, a patented WiFi monetisation platform, smart learning applications for the students, the QuickTune driving safety app, and TrueGuide education ERP.