Software giant Autodesk has launched a lawsuit against Google, accusing the tech behemoth of infringing upon its "Flow" trademark with Google's AI-driven film production software. This legal dispute underscores the escalating competition and intellectual property battles within the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence sector, particularly as companies vie for dominance in creative industries like filmmaking and gaming.
Autodesk Initiates Legal Action Against Google for Alleged "Flow" Trademark Infringement
In a significant legal development on Friday, February 9, 2026, San Francisco-based software developer Autodesk filed a lawsuit in federal court against Mountain View, California-based Google. The core of the complaint revolves around Google's alleged infringement of Autodesk's "Flow" trademark, which Autodesk has been utilizing since September 2022 for its visual effects, production management, and various other creative software solutions. Jonathan Stempel reported on this unfolding legal battle, highlighting the potential implications for both companies and the broader AI software market.
Autodesk claims that Google, despite previous assurances it would not commercialize the term "Flow," launched its own AI-powered "Flow" software in May 2025, directly targeting the same clientele in the film, television, and video game industries. Adding a curious twist to the narrative, Autodesk's complaint details how Google reportedly sought trademark protection for "Flow" in the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific – a jurisdiction where trademark applications are not typically made public – before subsequently pursuing similar protections in the United States. This strategic move, Autodesk alleges, was an attempt by Google to gain time and establish its presence in the market, potentially overwhelming Autodesk's existing "Flow" products and trademarks due to Google's significantly larger market capitalization, which stood at approximately $3.9 trillion compared to Autodesk's $51 billion at the time of the filing.
Autodesk is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, citing consumer confusion and irreparable harm caused by Google's actions. In a statement, Autodesk affirmed its commitment to protecting its innovations and ensuring fair competition. Google has not yet issued a public comment regarding the lawsuit. This legal challenge emerges shortly after Autodesk announced a significant workforce reduction, cutting about 7% of its jobs, as part of a strategic shift towards its cloud platform and artificial intelligence initiatives.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of intellectual property rights in the fast-evolving tech landscape. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into various industries, companies must vigilantly protect their innovations and brands. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how trademark disputes are handled in the AI software sector, especially when a dominant market player is involved. It also underscores the need for clear communication and transparent practices in competitive markets, preventing situations where larger entities might inadvertently or intentionally sideline smaller, established innovators.