Belagavi startup seeks pause on proposed Karnataka tie-up with Anthropic amid trademark dispute

Bengaluru: Belagavi-based technology startup Anthropic Softwares Pvt Ltd has urged the Karnataka government to temporarily defer proposed collaborations with US-based Anthropic PBC and its Indian subsidiary, Anthropic India Pvt Ltd, citing ongoing legal proceedings over brand and trademark rights.

Established in 2017, Anthropic Softwares says it has developed several software products, with nearly 10 applications available on the Google Play Store. The company also holds three patents and has been recognised under Startup India and Startup Karnataka. In 2023, its driving safety application was selected under the Karnataka government’s Elevate programme as a “life saving solution”.

The company said its educational platform TrueGuide is being used by students in India and abroad, while it is preparing to launch DopaNet, a Wi-Fi monetisation platform aimed at reducing internet costs.

The startup initiated proceedings before the Belagavi District Commercial Court in January 2026 following Anthropic PBC’s announcement of its India entry and Bengaluru office. It has also approached the Trademark Authority seeking rectification of Anthropic PBC’s trademark registration.

Anthropic Softwares has further raised concerns over alleged email misrouting between the domains anthropic.in and anthropic.com. According to the company, more than 700 emails have been incorrectly delivered between the two entities, some allegedly involving sensitive government, judicial and cybersecurity-related communications.

The company said it has developed an automated system to redirect misrouted emails to intended recipients and has brought the matter to the attention of agencies including MeitY, CERT-In, NCIIPC and US regulatory bodies.

It has appealed to the Karnataka government to exercise caution and defer proposed collaborations with Anthropic PBC and Anthropic India until the legal and regulatory issues are resolved.