Google Accused of Infringing 'Flow' Trademarks With AI Offering

Software company Autodesk claims Google is using 'Flow' brand despite prior assurances.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Autodesk Inc. has accused Google LLC of using the 'Flow' trademark to brand an AI filmmaking tool, despite Google previously assuring Autodesk it had no plans to commercialize the term. Autodesk claims Google's 'Flow' trademark infringes on its own software trademarks including 'Autodesk Flow' and 'Flow Capture'.

Why it matters

This lawsuit is the latest in a series of cases accusing AI companies of using existing trademarks on new products, which can create consumer confusion and legal disputes over intellectual property rights.

The details

According to the complaint filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, Google allegedly told Autodesk it didn't plan to commercialize the 'Flow' term, even as it was filing trademark applications internationally and planning to roll it out as a brand for its AI filmmaking tool.

  • The lawsuit was filed on February 6, 2026.

The players

Autodesk Inc.

A software company that owns trademarks including 'Autodesk Flow' and 'Flow Capture'.

Google LLC

The tech giant accused of infringing on Autodesk's trademarks by using the 'Flow' brand for its AI filmmaking tool.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between established software companies and AI firms over the use of trademarks, as new technologies are developed and brought to market.