The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has denied Tesla’s application to trademark the term “Robotaxi,” stating that the term is too generic to qualify for trademark protection. The decision was issued as a “nonfinal office action,” giving Tesla a three-month window to respond before the application is potentially abandoned. Reuters
📄 Reason for Rejection
The USPTO examiner concluded that “Robotaxi” is “merely descriptive,” as it directly conveys the nature of the service—an autonomous taxi. The term is commonly used in the industry to describe similar services, making it ineligible for exclusive trademark rights.
🚖 Other Trademark Applications
Tesla’s separate application to trademark “Robotaxi” for its upcoming ride-hailing service remains under examination. Additionally, the company’s efforts to trademark “Cybercab” have been delayed due to conflicts with existing trademarks containing the word “Cyber.”
🗓️ Next Steps for Tesla
Tesla has until early August 2025 to respond to the USPTO’s decision. To support its case, the company must provide evidence demonstrating that “Robotaxi” has acquired distinctiveness through extensive use and consumer recognition. This may include marketing materials, advertisements, and information about competitors’ use of similar terms.
