This article details Tesla's unexpected predicament concerning the trademark of its new autonomous taxi service, the "Cybercab." It explains how a procedural misstep—unveiling the name publicly before securing the trademark—led to its acquisition by another company, UniBev. The piece highlights the consequences of this oversight and Tesla's limited options moving forward.
Tesla's Trademark Mishap: A Cautionary Tale in Brand Protection
The "Cybercab" Naming Conundrum
Tesla, a prominent innovator in electric vehicles, has recently faced a significant challenge in its quest to secure the trademark for its forthcoming electric taxi, known as "Cybercab." This unexpected obstacle arose when the United States Patent and Trademark Office intervened, putting a halt to Tesla's application process for the coveted name.
An Elementary Lesson Overlooked
The core of Tesla's issue appears to stem from a fundamental oversight, akin to forgetting basic principles taught in early education. Despite a workforce renowned for its ingenuity, the company proceeded with a public announcement of the "Cybercab" designation prior to officially filing for its trademark. This critical sequencing error ultimately allowed another entity to claim the name first.
The Public Unveiling and Subsequent Delay
On October 10, 2024, the electric vehicle giant showcased its "Cybercab" robotaxi to a global audience. However, the formal application for the trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office did not occur until a full week later, on October 17. This delay proved costly, as the initial application faced complications due to potential conflicts with an existing patent held by Pirelli. This window of opportunity was seized by UniBev, a French beverage firm, which promptly filed for and secured the trademark.
UniBev's Acquisition of "Cybercab" Rights
As of December 12, 2025, UniBev has officially obtained both U.S. and international rights to the "Cybercab" name. Tesla's application records confirm that a suspension notice was issued on November 14, 2025, effectively preventing further progress on their claim to the brand. This turn of events underscores the importance of meticulous planning in intellectual property matters.
Navigating Forward: Tesla's Strategic Choices
The current situation suggests that Tesla is left with two primary courses of action: either negotiate with UniBev to acquire the trademark or choose an entirely different name for its autonomous taxi service. While the former seems the more probable path, it serves as a stark reminder for the company to prioritize proper legal procedures before any public declarations of future product names.
