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Karnataka Court Allows Service on Anthropic at Bengaluru Office as Indian Subsidiary Challenges Role

The case tests prior-use claims by a 2017 Belagavi startup against a 2021 U.S. entrant, seeking at least Rs 1 crore in damages.

Overview

  • At a March 9 hearing, Anthropic India told the Belagavi commercial court it is a separate legal entity that cannot accept or respond to summons intended for Anthropic PBC.
  • Principal District and Sessions Judge Manjunath Nayak reissued summons to Anthropic PBC and permitted service at the company’s newly opened Bengaluru office.
  • The plaintiff, Anthropic Software Pvt. Ltd., alleges passing off and unfair competition after its brand visibility was displaced by the U.S. firm’s identical name in searches and AI platforms.
  • Plaintiff’s counsel said an amended plaint will add Anthropic India as a defendant while maintaining claims seeking damages not less than Rs 1 crore.
  • The matter has been adjourned for further hearing in late March as service on the U.S. company proceeds and parties prepare detailed arguments.