Alphabet’s Google has been sued by a small San Francisco-based AI company, Gemini Data, over alleged trademark infringement concerning Google’s use of the name “Gemini” for its artificial intelligence system. Filed in San Francisco federal court, the lawsuit claims that Google unlawfully adopted the “Gemini” brand, infringing on the trademark rights of Gemini Data, which was founded in 2013 and specialized in AI assistant platforms.
The complaint asserts that Google “knowingly and willfully” violated Gemini Data’s intellectual property rights by using the name “Gemini” for its AI system, which according to the plaintiff, could lead to consumer confusion. Gemini Data is seeking an injunction to prevent Google from further use of the name and is demanding unspecified monetary damages for unfair competition and trademark infringement.
According to the lawsuit, Google’s attempt to register the “Gemini” trademark was denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office due to its similarity to Gemini Data’s trademarks, which already cover software under the same name. Despite this, Google rebranded its AI system, originally launched as “Bard”, to “Gemini” in February, while simultaneously expanding its AI capabilities.
Neither Google nor representatives for Gemini Data have provided immediate comments on the matter. The lawsuit accuses Google of making a “calculated decision” to disregard Gemini Data’s exclusive rights.