Hippocratic AI Inc., a Silicon Valley startup, has accused its rival Health GPT Inc. of violating its trademark. The startup claims its reputation is being damaged by Health GPT, which has allegedly usurped its trade name and domain name.
Health GPT Inc., founded by California entrepreneur Munjal Shah, recently filed a trademark application in the United States for the name “Hippocratic AI.” This filing came less than two weeks after the founders of Hippocratic AI Inc. rejected Shah’s offer to buy their domain name.
Hippocratic AI Inc. has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging that Health GPT Inc. is harming its business through use of its trade name and domain name. The startup claims that Health GPT Inc. has a “negative reputation” and that this association is damaging Hippocratic AI Inc.’s image in the health education industry.
According to the complaint, Munjal Shah offered to pay “more than $100,000” to purchase Hippocratic AI Inc.’s domain name. However, the founders of the startup rejected the offer. Shortly thereafter, Health GPT Inc. filed its trademark application, further escalating the dispute between the two companies.
Trademark infringement can have serious consequences for businesses, including reputational damage and loss of customers. It is a violation of intellectual property rights because trademarks are legally protected and unique to a particular company or brand.
Hippocratic AI Inc. is seeking legal action to protect its trade name and domain name from future infringement. The outcome of this lawsuit will determine whether Health GPT Inc. can continue to use the name “Hippocratic AI” or whether a cease-and-desist letter must be issued to prevent further damage to Hippocratic AI Inc.’s reputation.
