Tesla's attempt to trademark 'Cybercab' for its autonomous vehicle has hit a snag, with the US Patent and Trademark Office suspending the application due to a prior claim by a French beverage company. The issue stems from Tesla announcing the name before filing, allowing Unibev to submit an earlier application. Negotiations between the two companies are underway, but no resolution has been reached.
Tesla unveiled the Cybercab, a two-passenger autonomous vehicle, at its 'We, Robot' event on October 10, 2024. However, the company did not file for the trademark until November 2024, leaving a window for others to act.
On October 28, 2024, Unibev, a French company known for hard seltzers, filed an application for 'Cybercab' in the vehicle category (Serial No. 79412082). This predates Tesla's filing (Serial No. 98806788), prompting the USPTO to suspend Tesla's application on November 14, 2025. Examining attorney Meghan Reinhart cited a likelihood of confusion with an existing registration (No. 5963829) and the priority of Unibev's claim.
The USPTO notice states: 'Action on this application is suspended until the prior-filed application(s) below either registers or abandons.' Unibev holds three US trademarks for 'TESLAQUILA,' linked to Tesla's past tequila venture, adding context to the rivalry.
Tesla has contested the refusals, but the attorney found the arguments unpersuasive. A source familiar with the matter indicated that Tesla and Unibev are negotiating, though details remain undisclosed. This follows the USPTO's rejection of Tesla's 'Robotaxi' trademark as too generic.
The situation highlights challenges in Tesla's naming strategy for autonomous vehicles. Without a settlement or legal victory—such as proving Unibev lacks intent to use the mark in vehicles—Tesla may need to rebrand or purchase the rights, potentially rewarding the squatting tactic.
