LessWrong (30+ Karma) “Anthropic vs. DoW #6: The Court Rules” by Zvi
Mar 27, 2026
A recent court ruling handed Anthropic a preliminary injunction after a judge critically dismantled the government's case. Email exhibits and sworn testimony about negotiations and technical limits are recounted. The discussion covers legal strategies, procedural missteps, and the implications of a seven-day stay while potential appeals loom.
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Judge Lin Grasped The Case And Wrote A Devastating Opinion
- Judge Lin understood the issues and issued a forceful opinion that favored Anthropic across multiple legal theories.
- Zvi describes the ruling as one of the most devastating judicial opinions he's read, calling it an honor to read and summarizing key findings early in the episode.
Last-Minute Email Shows Talks Were Near Agreement
- Anthropic produced an email showing negotiations were close on March 3, 2026, undermining the government's later supply-chain narrative.
- The email request to change contract wording minutes before a memo leak implies talks were near agreement and raises doubt about the Dow's sudden designation.
Anthropic Can't Secretly Alter Deployed Models
- Anthropic's sworn witnesses explained they cannot remotely modify deployed models or 'pull the plug' on government systems.
- Thiago Somi's cake-analogy clarified model updates require rebuilding and approval; once deployed Anthropic lacks access or control.
