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Autodesk Sues Google Over Use of ‘Flow’ Trademark in AI Software Dispute

By  |  February 9, 2026

Autodesk has filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing the tech giant of infringing its “Flow” trademark to promote competing artificial intelligence software designed for film, television and video game production.

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    According to Reuters, the complaint was lodged on Friday in federal court in San Francisco. Autodesk claims it began using the Flow name in September 2022 for a suite of tools that include visual effects and production management software. The company said it was taken aback when Google introduced its own software under the Flow name in May 2025, targeting many of the same professional customers.

    Per Reuters, Autodesk alleges that Google had previously indicated it would not commercialize the Flow name on its own. However, the lawsuit contends that Google applied to trademark “Flow” in the Kingdom of Tonga in the same month it launched its product. Autodesk argues that Tonga’s trademark system does not generally make applications publicly accessible, a move it suggests was strategic.

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    The complaint further alleges that Google relied on its Tonga filing as a basis to pursue trademark protection for Flow in the United States. According to Reuters, Autodesk also claims Google has actively promoted its Flow-branded software at major industry gatherings, including the Sundance Film Festival.

    In the court filing, Autodesk stated: “Google’s false representation that it would always use a combination of its house mark and Flow was intended to buy time to allow it to swamp Autodesk’s place in the market.” The complaint continues: “Despite the success of Autodesk’s Flow products, the much larger Google will likely overwhelm the Autodesk Flow products and Flow marks.”

    The legal clash comes against the backdrop of a significant disparity in company valuations. Reuters reports that Autodesk, headquartered in San Francisco, had a market capitalization of approximately $51 billion as of Friday. By contrast, Alphabet, Google’s parent company based in Mountain View, California, was valued at about $3.9 trillion.

    Autodesk is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, alleging that Google’s actions have caused consumer confusion and irreparable harm to its brand.

    “We remain committed to protecting our innovations and ensuring fair competition in the global marketplace,” Autodesk said in a statement.

    The lawsuit follows recent restructuring at Autodesk. Last month, the company announced plans to eliminate roughly 1,000 positions, representing about 7% of its workforce, as it reallocates resources toward its cloud platform and artificial intelligence initiatives, according to Reuters.

    Source: Reuters