Neuralink Trademark Applications for Telepathy and Telekinesis Face USPTO Rejection

Elon Musk Brain-Computer Interface Company Hits Legal Hurdle on Brand Names

Neuralink has encountered legal issues with its trademark applications for the names Telepathy and Telekinesis according to Wired. The US Patent and Trademark Office has raised objections to both applications.

The Applications

Neuralink filed trademark applications for two product names that Musk has publicly used to describe the company brain-computer interface technology:

• Telepathy: referring to the ability to control devices with thoughts
• Telekinesis: referring to controlling physical objects through neural signals

USPTO Concerns

The trademark office objections likely relate to:

• The terms being too generic or descriptive for the technology category
• Potential confusion with existing trademarks in medical device or consumer technology spaces
• The terms having established dictionary meanings that may not be uniquely associated with Neuralink

Implications

This development matters because:

• Neuralink has been using these names in public communications and marketing
• Trademark protection would prevent competitors from using similar names
• The rejection could force Neuralink to develop alternative branding
• It may slow down the commercial rollout of Neuralink products

Broader Context

Neuralink has been making progress with human trials of its brain-computer interface implant. The company recently demonstrated patients using the device to control computers and smartphones through thought alone. However, regulatory and branding challenges add another layer of complexity to the path toward mainstream adoption.

Source: Wired https://www.wired.com/story/uspto-denies-neuralinks-applications-for-telepathy-telekinesis-marks/