Anthropic PBC v. U.S. Department of War (Anthropic 9th Cir 2026)
Case Overview
Likely the government's 9th Circuit appeal of Judge Lin's March 26, 2026 preliminary injunction in the N.D. Cal. case (3:26-cv-01996). Docket 26-2011. CourtListener lists as 'Anthropic PBC v. United States Department of War, et al.' The 'et al.' suggests additional government defendants joined on appeal. Needs verification against full docket.
The Application
Judge Lin's March 26, 2026 preliminary injunction in the district court found Anthropic likely to succeed on at least one claim and facing irreparable harm from the government's supply chain designation and related actions. The Ninth Circuit now reviews whether this preliminary injunction decision was an abuse of discretion and whether the district court correctly applied the governing legal standard.
The Conclusion
The appeal is active in the Ninth Circuit (Docket 26-2011) challenging the preliminary injunction standard and the substantive merits of Anthropic's claim against the Department of War and additional government defendants joined on appeal.
Case Analysis
Overview
Likely the government's 9th Circuit appeal of Judge Lin's March 26, 2026 preliminary injunction in the N.D. Cal. Case (3:26-cv-01996). Docket 26-2011. CourtListener lists as 'Anthropic PBC v. United States Department of War, et al.'. The 'et al.' suggests additional government defendants joined on appeal. Needs verification against full docket.
Issue
Whether the government's designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk and related enforcement actions violate Anthropic's constitutional or statutory rights.
Rule
A preliminary injunction is warranted when the moving party demonstrates likelihood of success on the merits, irreparable harm absent an injunction, favorable balance of equities, and service to the public interest; the applicable substantive law depends on the underlying claim (e.g., Administrative Procedure Act, First Amendment, Due Process).
Analysis
Judge Lin's March 26, 2026 preliminary injunction in the district court found Anthropic likely to succeed on at least one claim and facing irreparable harm from the government's supply chain designation and related actions. The Ninth Circuit now reviews whether this preliminary injunction decision was an abuse of discretion and whether the district court correctly applied the governing legal standard.
Conclusion
The appeal is active in the Ninth Circuit (Docket 26-2011) challenging the preliminary injunction standard and the substantive merits of Anthropic's claim against the Department of War and additional government defendants joined on appeal.
Notes
THREE RELATED CASES: (1) N.D. Cal. 3:26-cv-01996. APA + First Amendment + due process, PI granted March 26. (2) D.C. Circuit 26-01049. FASCSA supply chain designation challenge, oral arg May 19. (3) Docket 26-2011. Likely 9th Circuit appeal of PI. Bryan covered all three but may reference 'the Anthropic case' without specifying which. Match by date and context. Row 828 identity unconfirmed. Likely 9th Circuit appeal of N.D. Cal. PI. Verify docket 26-2011.
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