Tesla Files New Trademark for 'Tesla Robotaxi' Prior to Its Unveiling
Tesla, the innovative electric vehicle company, is making strides in the self-driving ride-hailing service market. The company has filed three new trademark applications for "Tesla Robotaxi," which includes the service, the app, and the vehicles themselves.
Despite a previous denial of the "Robotaxi" trademark application in May 2025, Tesla has persisted and submitted new filings to secure the brand. However, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has expressed concerns over the more general term "Robotaxi," as it is widely used by other companies such as Waymo.
The "Tesla Robotaxi" trademark applications are intended for a planned test launch in Austin, Texas, later this month. The launch will mark the beginning of a pilot programme, with plans to expand to the Bay Area, Arizona, and Florida within the year.
CEO Elon Musk projects that Robotaxi services could cover half the U.S. population by the end of 2025, contingent on regulatory approvals. This ambitious plan represents a significant expansion beyond the pilot stage.
Starting in 2026, Tesla aims to integrate privately owned vehicles into the Robotaxi fleet, enabling Tesla owners to earn income by renting their cars as autonomous taxis. This move signifies a significant expansion beyond the company-owned fleet.
However, it's important to note that the large-scale network launch depends on regulatory outcomes and safety validations. The trademark for "Tesla Robotaxi" is not yet fully secured, and the timeline given by Musk is a confident projection rather than an unconditional guarantee.
Interestingly, Starship Technologies, an Estonian robotics company, already holds a trademark for the name "Robovan." This suggests that Tesla's trademark applications may be part of a broader strategy, with filings for "Robobus," "Robus," and "Cyberbus" hinting at future projects, including the "Robovan" prototype.
The rejection of the "Cybercab" trademark application due to multiple competing claims around the word "Cyber" indicates that Tesla may be seeking to distance itself from this term in its current branding efforts.
Rumours suggest that Tesla's Robotaxi service could go live as early as June 12, according to Bloomberg. As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology, the coming months are sure to bring exciting developments in the world of self-driving ride-hailing services.
- In the realm of technology and business, Tesla's pursuit of the "Tesla Robotaxi" trademark is not solely focused on its self-driving ride-hailing service, but also encompasses related applications and vehicles.
- Expanding beyond the electric vehicle industry, Tesla's ambitious plan for Robotaxi services could extend to other transportation methods, hinted by filings for "Robobus," "Robus," and "Cyberbus" trademarks, potentially alluding to future projects such as the "Robovan" prototype.
