Google Sued Autodesk Over Flow AI Video Tool Trademark Dispute
Synopsis
Autodesk has filed a trademark lawsuit against Google over the use of the Flow name for AI filmmaking software. The case, filed in California federal court, claims Autodesk has used the name since 2022 and that Google’s similar branding could confuse film and media professionals. Google launched its Flow AI video tool in 2025 as part of its growing artificial intelligence portfolio. The outcome could affect product branding, competition, and naming strategies in the fast-growing AI content creation and video production software market.
Autodesk has sued Google in a federal court in the United States, alleging that the company has infringed its "Flow" trademark of media production software. The case was filed on February 6, 2026, in the Northern District of California.
Autodesk claims that Google released an AI-based filmmaking tool by the same title in 2025, which would confuse the movie, television, and content creation industry.
Autodesk Claims Prior use of the Flow name
Autodesk informed the court that it has been using the Flow name since 2022, referring to its cloud-based production and collaboration tools. The platform helps studios to administer visual effects, editing, and general production procedures.
The company claims that Google has the same customer base in the Flow tool, such as filmmakers, production studios, and digital content teams, and it might confuse the user that the two products are related.
In 2025, Google released its Flow as one of its AI video projects. The software assists users in creating cinematic scenes and video material with the aid of artificial intelligence.
The grievance filed by Autodesk states that Google marketed Flow during industry festivals like the Sundance Film Festival, which improved the popularity of the tool and enhanced the trademark dispute.
Concerns over Google’s Trademark Strategy
Autodesk asserts that Google made trademark applications in non-U.S. countries, such as Tonga, and subsequently used such applications to reinforce a U.S. trademark application.
The complaint also adds that Google had earlier promised not to commercialise the name of the Flow, but had proceeded with the product, which Autodesk accuses of hurting its brand and trademark rights.
Autodesk is going to court to request that Google cease the use of the Flow name to be ceased by Google and seek damages.
One of the points raised in the case is the rapid entry of AI-powered video and filmmaking tools into the market. Businesses are competing to release products, and therefore, the chances of name collisions are high.
In case Autodesk succeeds, Google will have to rebrand or pay damages to its product. The ruling has a wider potential due to the impact that Google has on the creative software marketplace.
Autodesk stated that it had filed the suit to defend its intellectual property and avoid confusion among the customers.
Till now, Google has not responded publicly to the lawsuit.
Both Companies Expanding Creative Production Tools
Autodesk has had long-standing software that is applied in film production, animation and design. Flow is included in its overall plan of streamlining production tools into a unified platform.
On the same note, Google has been working on AI-powered video production tools to help it in creating and editing videos, which are aimed at the same professional audience. This coincidence renders the trademark controversy especially serious.
Google will do so by filing court papers within the next few weeks. The case may lead to a settlement, a court verdict, or Google may be forced to rebrand its product.
It can take months or even years to settle trademark cases relating to major technology companies.
Key Highlights
- Autodesk sued Google on February 6, 2026, over the Flow trademark
- Dispute centers on AI filmmaking and video production software
- Case could affect branding decisions across the AI content industry
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
