Autodesk, a software company, has taken legal action against Google, alleging that the tech giant violated its trademark for a product line known as ‘Flow.’ The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in San Francisco, claims that Autodesk adopted the ‘Flow’ name in September 2022 for a series of visual effects and production management tools. According to a report by Reuters, Autodesk was caught off guard when Google introduced its own AI-powered software, also named ‘Flow,’ in May 2025, targeting the same clientele in the entertainment industry.
Allegedly, Google initially assured Autodesk that it would not commercialize the ‘Flow’ name. However, the complaint asserts that Google applied for a trademark for the term in the Kingdom of Tonga that very month. Subsequently, Google used this Tongan application to pursue trademark protection in the United States and promoted its ‘Flow’ software at industry gatherings.
The complaint accuses Google of making false representations to stall Autodesk’s market presence intentionally. Autodesk is pursuing unspecified damages, citing alleged consumer confusion and damage to its brand as grounds for legal action.
An Autodesk spokesperson, as reported by Reuters, emphasized the company’s dedication to safeguarding its innovations and ensuring fair competition. Google has yet to issue a public response to the lawsuit.
