Court Victory: Google Secures Rights to the Gemini Brand
In August 2026, the Russian agency Rospatent issued a historic ruling, allowing the American tech giant Google to register the Gemini trademark within the Russian Federation. This decision was the result of months of legal struggle that began back in August 2024. The company managed to appeal the agency's initial refusal and secure the registration of the mark in one of the key categories — Class 42, covering services related to the provision of online software for artificial intelligence.
The registration of the Gemini brand is of strategic importance to Google, as it is under this name that the company develops its products based on large language models. Amidst tightening regulations and sanctions, holding official rights to the brand in Russia allows the corporation to legalize the use of its intellectual product and protect it from unfair copies.
A Complex Path to Registration: From Total Rejection to Compromise
Initially, Rospatent rejected all four of Google's applications to register the Gemini trademark. The grounds for rejection were the existence of a previously registered mark 'Gemini' in Russia, owned by the Czech company Finshape Czechia s.r.o., which develops banking platforms. The agency saw a similarity in the names that could mislead consumers.
However, Google insisted on its rights, providing arguments regarding the visual distinction of the logos and the difference in spheres of activity. A key factor was the written consent of the Czech company for Google to use the brand in Russia. Furthermore, Google demonstrated that both marks successfully coexist in the markets of the USA, China, the UK, and Israel, confirming the absence of real risks of brand confusion.
Legal Analysis: Why Rospatent Changed Its Decision
In its ruling, Rospatent acknowledged that while phonetic and semantic similarities between the marks exist, the visual differences are substantial. The agency also noted that neither brand is well-known or collective, and their spheres of application, while adjacent, do not create a direct conflict of interest. Based on these arguments, and taking into account the consent of the owner of the Czech mark, Rospatent satisfied Google's appeal.
It is important to note that registration was granted only in one class — Class 42, which covers online AI-based services. The other three applications, including the registration of downloadable software (Class 9), remain under consideration. This means that Google does not yet have a full monopoly on the use of the Gemini brand in all categories of goods and services.
Contradictory Data
There are discrepancies in the interpretation of the case outcome. On one hand, Google representatives state that the court victory paves the way for the full launch of AI services in Russia. On the other hand, experts point out that registration in a single class does not guarantee free access to the product, as technical and regulatory barriers may persist. Moreover, some sources claim that the Czech company Finshape may have received compensation for consenting to the use of the brand, although this information is not officially confirmed.
Prospects for Users and the AI Market
The registration of the Gemini brand in Russia opens new opportunities for users and businesses. Google can now legally promote its AI solutions, integrate them into local services, and protect them from piracy. For the Russian market, this is also a signal that international companies continue to seek ways to interact with the Russian economy, despite geopolitical tensions.
However, it is worth remembering that the existence of a trademark does not mean the automatic launch of a service. Google will have to undergo additional checks, including compliance with Russian legislation on data and cybersecurity. Nevertheless, this step has become an important precedent in the history of the interaction between tech giants and the Russian regulator.
