Business Desk 
May 08, 2025
Globally acclaimed electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla has been hit with a legal roadblock attempting to trademark the term “Robotaxi” for its autonomous vehicles, as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has rejected the application, stating that the term is too generic.
Similarly, the Elon Musk-owned automaker's applications for the trademark of the term "Cybercab" have been put off as other companies are also seeking trademarks having "Cyber".
The development was brought to light in a “nonfinal office action” this week, giving Tesla a three-month respite to respond before the application approaches its termination.
“Robotaxi” is a term used widely in the industry to refer to self-driving ride-hailing vehicles and can therefore not be granted exclusive trademark rights, according to the USPTO.
“The wording appears to be generic in the context of applicant’s goods and/or services,” wrote the trademark registration authority. The authority added that similar terms have also been used by other companies.
Tesla filed the application last year in October, the day when it showcased its Cybercab, its purpose-built EV, the foundational model to power a future autonomous ride-hailing fleet.
While the “Robotaxi” trademark was refused, another application for its use in a ride-hailing service is still being reviewed.
