NamesCon 2024: Marcus Shares Key Trends

After a few intensive and inspiring days at NamesCon 2024 in Austin, Marcus is back in Sweden, sharing some insights and trends he has brought home. This year’s conference has provided us with a picture of where the domain name industry is heading and the opportunities and challenges we face.

Increased Demand for Existing Domain Names
We continue to see a strong trend where companies invest in acquiring already registered domain names. Short and memorable names, which can significantly impact brand building, are particularly sought after. It has also become increasingly common for companies to purchase .com domains where they previously used extensions such as .io and .ai. This shift underscores the importance of having a strong and recognizable digital presence.

The Role of AI in the Domain Name Industry
AI continues to play an important role in the process of name suggestions and registrations. By analyzing previous registration history, AI can provide valuable insights and suggestions for new names. However, it is important to note that AI cannot yet replace the human creative aspect in the naming process. The unique human ability to understand cultural nuances and create names with emotional resonance is still irreplaceable.

Challenges in UDRP Processes
Another important point that was frequently discussed is companies’ handling of UDRP processes (Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy). Many companies frequently fail to substantiate their dispute claims adequately. It is common for disputes to lack a solid foundation, resulting in them not going through. This is a reminder of the importance of diligence and proper preparation in domain name disputes.

NamesCon 2024 has truly provided us with insights to consider and work on. We look forward to implementing these insights and continuing our efforts to strengthen our position within the domain name industry.