Judge Questions Jurisdiction in Perplexity Trademark Cancellation Case

In Perplexity Solved Solutions, Inc. v. Perplexity AI, Inc., pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley vacated a default judgment and directed Perplexity AI to explain why the court possesses jurisdiction to cancel the trademark registration of the plaintiff company.

The dispute involves two entities using variations of the “Perplexity” name. The plaintiff, Perplexity Solved Solutions, Inc., had obtained a default judgment after the defendant failed to secure counsel. The court’s October 19, 2026, order raises questions about personal jurisdiction and the procedural posture of the cancellation claim.

The case highlights emerging issues at the intersection of artificial intelligence branding and trademark enforcement, as both companies operate in the AI search and technology space. No ruling on the merits or jurisdiction has been issued yet.

The matter remains active, with further briefing expected on the jurisdictional question.

Sources: https://www.law360.com/cases/679c06208e7946dead40c92f https://trademarksupport.com/news/