Autodesk Files Trademark Lawsuit Against Google's AI Software

San Francisco's federal court received an unexpected filing last Friday - design software leader Autodesk is taking legal action against tech giant Google over naming rights for creative tools.

The Core Dispute

The conflict centers on Google's May 2025 launch of an AI-powered creative suite called "Flow," which directly competes with Autodesk's existing Flow-branded products serving film, television and game production studios. Autodesk had established its Flow trademark nearly three years earlier in September 2022.

Court documents reveal growing tension between the companies as Google aggressively promotes its new offering at major industry events like the Sundance Film Festival while simultaneously seeking U.S. trademark protection through Tonga registration.

"This isn't just about protecting a brand name," explains intellectual property attorney Mark Reynolds, who isn't involved in the case. "When two tech powerhouses compete for the same professional customers, trademark clarity becomes crucial."

Overlapping Audiences Raise Stakes

The lawsuit highlights how both companies target identical client bases - visual effects studios, animation houses, and game developers who rely on specialized production software. Autodesk argues that Google's market dominance could overwhelm its established Flow products despite their earlier market entry.

Industry analysts note the timing couldn't be worse for Autodesk, which has been working to transition its creative software offerings to cloud-based subscription models similar to Google's approach.

"Creative professionals already juggle multiple software platforms," says media technology consultant Lisa Yang. "Having two different 'Flow' products from major vendors would absolutely cause confusion in production pipelines."

What Happens Next?

The case now moves through California's Northern District Court, where judges have handled numerous high-profile tech disputes. Legal experts predict several potential outcomes:

• An out-of-court settlement with rebranding terms
• Licensing agreements allowing coexistence
• Full litigation determining priority rights

For now, both companies continue offering their respective Flow products while preparing legal arguments. The creative industries they serve wait nervously - their complex production workflows depend heavily on clear software differentiation.

Key Points:

• Trademark showdown: Autodesk claims prior rights to "Flow" name since 2022
• Market collision: Both products serve film/TV/game production clients
• Scale concerns: Autodesk fears being overshadowed by Google's market power
• Legal strategies: Case could set precedent for AI-era trademark disputes