Leading automotive company Ford has filed 19 trademark applications related to possible metaverse activities. In the documents, the company hints at the potential launch of Ford-branded NFTs (non-fungible tokens) on its own marketplace, and also refers to the offering of virtual models of its cars, including Mustang, Mustang Mach-E, and the Bronco. Ford Filing trademarks for new metaverse activities
Ford Hints at Metaverse Move
One of the top-selling automakers in the United States, Ford, has filed a number of trademark applications here. Getting ready for a prospective foray into the metaverse is the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The business is attempting to safeguard its operations there, including the provision of Ford-branded NFTs on a proprietary NFT market. Text, audio, or video pertaining to the brand may be found in these NFTs.
Ford Filing trademarks for new metaverse activities
These applications, which include the Ford Lightning 150, Lincoln Lightning, Ford Lightning, Bronco, Explorer Raptor, Mustang Mach-E, Transit, Escape, Expedition, Maverick, Ranger, and Mustang, aim to preserve some of Ford’s most well-known automobiles’ digital representations.
The trademark applications also include digital replacement parts for any of the aforementioned models as well as digital clothes with brand references. According to USPTO-licensed attorney Mike Kondoudis, who asserted that Ford was making a “major move” into the metaverse with these applications, this may be one of the first stages towards a coordinated digital strategy.
Ford’s Growth in Digital
Given that Ford previously said that it was looking into the digital realm to find new methods to grow its business, this action by the firm is not a surprise. Director of worldwide brand merchandising for Ford, Alexandra Ford English, said the following in September:
Anywhere you go around the world, you find passionate Ford fans and we want to offer them an inspiring collection of merchandise and accessories, and potentially even digital products like NFTs.
Ford is only the most recent in a long line of businesses that have already embraced these digital environments and goods as a component of their growth plans. Recently, the French carmaker Renault has took a step in this approach by partnering with the metaverse platform The Sandbox to offer virtual automobile experiences using the company’s goods.
Other companies, like the Korean automaker Hyundai, are also participating in the metaverse by showcasing some of their upcoming automobiles in the Zepeto metaverse.