Tesla files for 'Tesla Robotaxi' trademark in anticipation of impending rollout
Tesla's Robotaxi Trademark Faces Legal Challenges as Launch Approaches
Tesla's ambition to brand its upcoming self-driving ride-hailing service as "Tesla Robotaxi" has faced legal obstacles, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) denying the trademark application as of May 10, 2025.
The USPTO's rejection of the "Cybercab" application was also due to multiple competing claims around the word "Cyber". It's worth noting that Starship Technologies, an Estonian robotics company, already holds a trademark for the name "Robovan".
Despite the setback, Tesla is pressing ahead with its plans. The company officially launched its Robotaxi pilot program in Austin, Texas, around June-July 2025. CEO Elon Musk highlighted ongoing expansion of the pilot in Austin, with plans to roll out the service to other regions such as the Bay Area, Arizona, and Florida within months.
The pilot program, however, remains limited, with human safety drivers still present. Some view the service expansion partly as a promotional gesture rather than full-scale deployment. Tesla reported over 7,000 driverless miles in Austin and is optimistic about serving half of the U.S. population by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Tesla has filed three new trademark applications for "Tesla Robotaxi" for its upcoming self-driving ride-hailing service, app, and vehicles. The company's earlier attempts to secure naming rights for its self-driving ride-hailing service were met with concerns and rejections by the USPTO, as the office raised concerns over the more general terms "Robotaxi" and "Cybercab".
The planned test launch for Tesla's Robotaxi service is scheduled in Austin, Texas, later this month (June 12, according to Bloomberg). Full volume production of the purpose-built Cybercab starts in 2026, enabling owners to add vehicles to the autonomous fleet.
In the meantime, Tesla's trademark reviews for "Tesla Robotaxi" are unlikely to be approved before testing begins, as they often take months to progress. Tesla is making another attempt to secure naming rights for its self-driving ride-hailing service, this time by adding "Tesla" in front of the term "Robotaxi".
It's important to note that Tesla's Robotaxi service is a specific version of the more general term "Robotaxi" that the company is attempting to trademark. This service is a part of Tesla's future autonomous ride-hailing service, not the general self-driving taxi concept. Other companies, such as Waymo, also use the term "Robotaxi".
As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving technology, it faces challenges in securing unique branding for its services. The ongoing saga with the USPTO and trademark applications highlights the complexities of innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
Technology remains a critical aspect of Tesla's self-driving ride-hailing service, as the company files new trademark applications for "Tesla Robotaxi." Despite legal challenges, Tesla is pressing ahead with its plans, hoping to add a unique brand to its autonomous fleet.
