Tesla’s try and trademark the time period “Robotaxi” in reference to its automobiles has been refused by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Workplace for being too generic, in line with a brand new submitting. One other software by Tesla to trademark the time period “Robotaxi” for its upcoming ride-hailing service is nonetheless below examination by the workplace.
As well as, purposes from Tesla for the trademark on the time period “Cybercab” have been halted as a result of different firms pursuing comparable “Cyber” emblems. That features one firm that has utilized for quite a few emblems associated to aftermarket Cybertruck equipment.
The USPTO issued Tuesday what’s often known as a “nonfinal workplace motion” on the “Robotaxi” trademark software, which implies Tesla has three months to file a response or the workplace will abandon the appliance. A trademark lawyer representing Tesla didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Tesla utilized for the emblems in October 2024 on the identical day that it revealed the Cybercab, the purpose-built electrical automobile that it hopes to in the future use in its deliberate autonomous ride-hailing service. Tesla additionally submitted two comparable trademark purposes October 10 for the time period “Robobus,” that are nonetheless below examination.
The trademark that was refused was assigned to a USPTO examiner on April 14. Tesla mentioned it could use the phrase in reference to “[l]and automobiles; electrical automobiles, specifically vehicles; vehicles; and structural components therefor,” in line with the unique software.
Whereas the USPTO examiner discovered there have been no conflicting emblems in existence, it refused the appliance as a result of it was “merely descriptive.” The examiner wrote that the time period “Robotaxi” is “used to explain comparable items and companies by different firms.”
“[S]uch wording seems to be generic within the context of applicant’s items and/or companies,” the examiner wrote.
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Tesla can be allowed to submit proof and arguments to assist its argument in favor of the trademark. If it does, the USPTO desires Tesla to supply “[f]act sheets, instruction manuals, brochures, ads and pertinent screenshots of applicant’s web site because it pertains to the products and/or companies within the software, together with any supplies utilizing the phrases within the applied-for mark.”
In different phrases, Tesla wants to present the company particular plans for the way and why it deserves the “Robotaxi” trademark.
The examiner additionally wrote that Tesla might want to inform the USPTO if “rivals” use the phrases “ROBO, ROBOT, or ROBOTIC to promote comparable items and/or companies.”
Tesla’s different software for the “Robotaxi” trademark would cowl the usage of the phrase when providing transportation companies, together with “coordinating journey preparations for people and for teams,” “arranging time-based ridesharing companies,” and providing car sharing or leases. That software was additionally assigned to a USPTO examiner on April 14, however no choice has been filed.
This story has been up to date to incorporate details about the “Cybercab” trademark purposes.
