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 keeping with a brand new submitting. One other software by Tesla to trademark the time period “Robotaxi” for its upcoming ride-hailing service is still under examination by the workplace.
The USPTO issued Tuesday what’s referred to as a “nonfinal workplace motion,” which implies Tesla has three months to file a response or the workplace will abandon the applying. A trademark lawyer representing Tesla didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Tesla applied for the emblems in October 2024 on the identical day that it revealed its so-called Cybercab, the purpose-built electrical automotive that it hopes to sooner or later use in its deliberate autonomous ride-hailing service. Tesla additionally submitted two related trademark functions 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 “Land automobiles; electrical automobiles, particularly cars; cars; and structural elements therefor,” in keeping with the unique software.
Whereas the USPTO examiner discovered there have been no conflicting emblems in existence, it refused the applying as a result of it was “merely descriptive.” The examiner wrote that the time period “robotaxi” is “used to explain related items and companies by different corporations.”
“[S]uch wording seems to be generic within the context of applicant’s items and/or companies,” the examiner wrote.
Tesla will likely be allowed to submit proof and arguments to assist its argument in favor of the trademark. If it does, the USPTO desires Tesla to offer: “Truth 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 provide the company particular plans for the way and why it deserves the “Robotaxi” trademark.
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The examiner additionally wrote that Tesla might want to inform the USPTO if “rivals” use the phrases “ROBO, ROBOT, or ROBOTIC to promote related 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 determination has been filed.