Recently, Google announced the launch of its generative AI chatbot called Bard. Despite the likely trademark implications of registering domain names with “Bard” in them, some domain investors and others spent money on registrations and aftermarket purchases. Unfortunately for people hoping to cash in on Bard-related domain names, Google is changing its branding from Bard to Gemini, as Adam Maysonet shared earlier:
Google announced that Bard is officially being rebranded to Gemini. Bad news for anyone who spent money on Bard domains hoping to cash in. pic.twitter.com/V2d7T6YJzK
— Adam Maysonet (@synozeer) February 5, 2024
I can’t quantify how many Bard domain names were registered as a result of Google’s AI chatbot, but DotDB says there are now 442 domain name extensions registered matching the “Bard” keyword. By comparison, Yard has 228 domain extensions registered.
I would argue that investors who registered Bard domain names did so in vain. Bard – in relation to AI – was a brand rather than a generic term. Someone hoping to cash in because of Google’s usage of the Bard term would likely face a UDRP or litigation rather than Google buying newly registered domain names via the aftermarket.
Regardless, it appears the Bard brand is on the chopping block in favor of the Gemini brand. As with many things, domain registrars are the biggest beneficiaries.
Very apparent that the registrars should have a step in registration that accesses something like trademark247/USPTO and automatically provides hand registrants with “heads up” information that requires a positive (yes I want to register) checkbox. It is the responsible thing to do especially in light of Godaddy’s advertising push to “take the first step in creating your future” campaigns.
Too bard!
I can’t believe some domain investors registered domains including the word “Bard.”
On the other hand, maybe that happened because the good guys at Google changed the name so as not to prosecute all those who registered domains with the above-mentioned word. I don’t know; I think; I speculate; God knows, right?
Any coincidence with sarcasm is the pure imagination of the reader.
bard is still a relevant keyword when used in the correct setting