Tesla is making a renewed push to secure trademark rights for its ambitious self-driving vehicle service, filing new applications for the term “Tesla Robotaxi.” This comes after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) previously rejected or stalled its attempts to trademark more generic terms like “Robotaxi” and “Cybercab.”
The USPTO had previously deemed “Robotaxi” too generic, citing its widespread use by other autonomous vehicle companies such as Waymo. Similarly, Tesla’s “Cybercab” trademark applications faced roadblocks due to a high volume of similar “Cyber”-themed applications from other companies.
In response to these rejections and requests for more specificity, Tesla has now submitted three new trademark applications for the more distinctive term “Tesla Robotaxi.” These filings aim to secure brand rights for Tesla’s planned autonomous ride-hailing service, its accompanying mobile application, and the self-driving vehicles themselves.
Despite the urgency from Tesla, especially as the company prepares to begin test runs of its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, later this month, it is unlikely that the new applications will be reviewed in time for the initial launch. Trademark applications typically take months before an examiner is even assigned.
This isn’t the only branding Tesla is pursuing in the autonomous mobility space. The company also has pending applications for terms like “Robobus,” “Robus,” and “Cyberbus,” which appear to reference a van-like prototype showcased during a 2024 unveiling of the Cybercab. However, the name “Robovan,” which CEO Elon Musk used to describe the concept, may already be off-limits due to a trademark held by Estonian robotics firm Starship Technologies.
The ongoing challenges highlight the complexities of trademarking common descriptive terms in rapidly evolving technological sectors, where new terminology quickly becomes industry-standard. Tesla’s efforts underscore the importance of distinctive branding as the company moves towards commercializing its autonomous ride-hailing service.
Key Highlights:
- Tesla has filed new trademark applications for “Tesla Robotaxi” to secure rights for its autonomous ride-hailing service, app, and vehicles.
- This move follows previous rejections or stalls by the USPTO for more generic terms like “Robotaxi” and “Cybercab,” deemed too common or too similar to existing trademarks.
- Despite Tesla’s plans for robotaxi test runs in Austin this month, the new trademark applications are unlikely to be approved quickly due to lengthy review processes.
- Tesla also has other related trademark applications pending, like “Robobus,” as it navigates the complex landscape of intellectual property in autonomous technology.