Elon Musk’s new Tesla dream hits the wall

One of Tesla’s most-hyped products has suffered a huge setback prior to launch, giving CEO Elon Musk a massive headache.

Elon Musk’s Robotaxi dream has hit a major speed bump.

Tesla’s attempt to trademark the term “Robotaxi” has been rejected by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which says the word is just too generic.

Earlier this week the USPTO issued a “nonfinal office action” denying Tesla’s October 2024 application for the label.

While there are no competing trademarks the USPTO said the name “Robotaxi” is simply too widely used to describe similar products.

“Such wording appears to be generic in the context of applicant’s goods and/or services,” the USPTO examiner wrote.

Companies like Toyota, Asimov Robotics, Baidu and AutoX have all openly referred to their autonomous vehicles as “robotaxis” in media announcements, press kits and advertising material.

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A Toyota Robotaxi is displayed during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai on April 23, 2025. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP)

The rejection comes at a horrible time for Tesla, with the official Robotaxi launch planned for June.

The company has spent years teasing this autonomous fleet as the future of mobility.

Tesla now has three months to fight the ruling or lose the application.

The filing was part of several submitted by the EV giant last October. Tesla also applied for the trademark “Robobus” and “Cybercab”.

While “Robobus” remains under review, “Cybercab” has stalled.

The trademark “Cybercab” was stalled due to the word “Cyber” being requested by other companies, including one offering aftermarket accessories for the Cybertruck.

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Tesla's Cybercab robotaxi is displayed during the AutoMobility LA 2024 auto show at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, November 21, 2024. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)

The USPTO has advised Tesla they will need convincing proof if the company wants a second shot at “Robotaxi”.

The USPTO wants detailed materials like brochures, ads, and website screenshots showing how Tesla plans to use the term.

The blow for Tesla couldn’t come at a worse time.

Investors had hoped the futuristic transport service would help revive the company’s troubled reputation.

The company has faced months of chaos, including vehicle vandalism, protests and backlash over Elon Musk’s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency.

FILE – From right, Elon Musk, U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Jared Kushner listen as President Donald Trump speaks at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute summit in Miami Beach, Fla., Feb. 19, 2025. (Pool via AP)

Musk has said he plans to pivot away from his government position soon, amid criticism he has been neglecting Tesla and it looks like he will have his work cut out at the EV giant.

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Originally published as Elon Musk’s new Tesla dream hits the wall