When Trademark Paths Cross

Autodesk Inc. has sued Google over the name “FLOW,” claiming Google’s AI filmmaking software conflicts with Autodesk’s mark used in film, television, and game production. Autodesk says it began using the name in September 2022, and USPTO records show it filed an intent-to-use application for AUTODESK FLOW in June 2021. That sequence is important: if the application matures into registration, the 2021 filing can establish priority; if not, the dispute leans more heavily on who proves earlier marketplace use.

Google launched its FLOW software in May 2025 and later filed a federal trademark application (on November 3, 2025) for a product directed at similar creative professionals, placing the parties on overlapping commercial ground, where trademark conflicts often arise.

Priority and likelihood of confusion frame the law, but disputes like this often settle because trademark lawsuits can be unpredictable.

The larger takeaway? Early filing helps. Early use helps. Neither eliminates risk, but both strengthen your position when the ground turns contested.

Story here: https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/google-sued-by-autodesk-over-ai-powered-movie-making-software-2026-02-09/