Google Faces Trademark Battle Over AI Video Tools

Autodesk sued Google on Friday (Feb. 6), alleging that the tech giant infringed on its “Flow” trademark for artificial intelligence-powered software, Reuters reported Monday (Feb. 9).

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    The plaintiff said in its complaint that it began using the name “Flow” for software using to make movies, TV shows and video games in September 2022, and that Google launched its own Flow software designed for the same industries in May 2025, according to the report.

    Autodesk alleges that Google caused consumer confusion and irreparable harm, and the company is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, per the report.

    The company told Reuters: “We remain committed to protecting our innovations and ensuring fair competition in the global marketplace.”

    Google did not immediately reply to PYMNTS’ request for comment.

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    Autodesk Flow is a production hub for media and entertainment, Autodesk said in a January press release. Updates to the software over the past year include enhancements for content organization and editorial collaboration, strengthened integrations and new, free tiers for creators, students and educators.

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    “Altogether, Autodesk Flow’s 2025 updates reflect a clear shift toward broader access, stronger connections across creative teams, and tools that meet creators where they are — whether in the classroom, the edit suite or mid-production,” the firm said in the release.

    When Google introduced its Flow in May, it described the product as an artificial intelligence filmmaking tool built for creatives. The company said in a press release that the tool helps storytellers explore their ideas and create cinematic clips and scenes.

    “AI is ushering in a new chapter of creativity and filmmaking, and while it’s still early, we see so much potential for tools like Flow to unlock new voices and creations,” Google said in its press release.

    It was reported in October 2024 that Google succesfully defended against a trademark lawsuit filed by British short film company Shorts International over the tech giant’s YouTube Shorts platform.

    The court ruled that Google’s use of “Shorts” in connection with its short-form video platform did not infringe on the established trademark of Shorts International.

    Shorts International had filed a lawsuit claiming that YouTube’s use of the term “Shorts” could mislead audiences and infringe on its trademark.