Tesla Reapplies for ‘Tesla Robotaxi’ Trademark After Initial Setbacks
Tesla has submitted new trademark applications for the term “Tesla Robotaxi” following earlier challenges in securing trademarks related to its upcoming autonomous ride-hailing service.
The automaker originally filed for trademarks on “Robotaxi” and “Cybercab” in October 2024. However, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) requested additional details for “Robotaxi,” noting that the term is already widely used by companies like Waymo. Tesla’s application for “Cybercab” was denied outright due to the large number of existing filings involving the word “Cyber,” TechCrunch reported.
In response, Tesla has now filed three new applications using the more specific phrase “Tesla Robotaxi.” These filings aim to secure trademarks covering the ride-hailing service, its companion mobile app, and the autonomous vehicles themselves. The company is preparing to launch testing of the service in Austin, Texas later this month.
Despite the filings, it’s unlikely the applications will be reviewed in time for the launch. Trademark applications typically sit unexamined for several months before being assigned to a USPTO examiner.
Tesla also has pending trademark applications for “Robobus,” “Robus,” and “Cyberbus,” names likely associated with the van-style concept unveiled during the Cybercab prototype event in October. At that event, CEO Elon Musk referred to the vehicle as the “Robovan,” though that term is already trademarked by Estonian robotics company Starship Technologies.
