It’s official: Tesla has run into trouble naming its new self-driving ride-hailing car. The vehicle, originally set to be called the Robotaxi and later the Tesla Cybercab, now needs a new name. The first choice, Robotaxi, was turned down for being too simple and descriptive. Then Cybercab was taken off the table because another company claimed the name first.
Cybercab Is A Popular Name
A report earlier this week showed that Tesla was at risk of losing the Cybercab name. Electrek spotted a suspension notice on Tesla’s trademark from the US Patent and Trademark Office, which pointed out that someone else had already filed for the name.
Now, that other application has been approved and officially published in the US, which means Tesla’s claim is officially rejected. So who snagged the Cybercab name? A French drink company called UniBev. Surprising, right? But yes—really.
Need to move a big group of people? Tesla’s Cybervan might be just the thing! It can carry up to 20 passengers, or be converted into an autonomous camper, a school bus, a work van—the possibilities are endless.
While the name Cybercab might sound perfect for a bold Cabernet wine, UniBev isn’t thinking about wine—they filed the trademark for vehicles, not “du vin.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk first announced plans for the self-driving ride-hail car on October 11, 2024. But Tesla didn’t file for the trademark until October 17, which was already risky. It didn’t help anyway, because UniBev had filed months earlier—back on April 29, 2024, with the French INPI. Their trademark was granted and published in early May, and shortly after, they applied to extend it to the US.
That triggered a trademark suspension notice for Tesla on April 23, 2025. Tesla faced another round of suspensions in October, this time related to using Cybercab as a stylized logo.
Somebody Is S-Tier At Guessing Elon’s Names
Who is UniBev? Honestly, we don’t really know. The company is officially registered with the French government, but it doesn’t have any online presence. Looking at its portfolio, UniBev seems more like a trademark squatter than a traditional business.
Its list of names includes Teslaquila, Genius Beer, Xcab, Teslaquila Hard Seltzer, Cyber Diner, and Cyber Van. See a pattern? There’s definitely a theme running through all of them.
It’s kind of like a Lamborghini! Well, sort of. The concept versions had scissor doors, but the production models will probably be more ordinary.
Still, UniBev managed to beat Tesla to the name by several months. You’d think someone on Tesla’s team would have done a trademark search before the big announcement—especially after the Teslaquila mishap. Apparently not.
This has got to sting Elon Musk a little, especially after the Robotaxi setback. UniBev even tried to claim Robotaxi, but that was denied. The USPTO told Tesla that they had to disclaim the term “robotaxi” because it’s just descriptive of a product’s feature or purpose. The office also noted that several other companies were already using the term as a general descriptor, not as a brand name.
So what’s next for Tesla? They could try to appeal the decision, negotiate with UniBev to buy the rights, or just pick a completely new name for their self-driving vehicle. Maybe Cybertaxi? Oh, wait—UniBev has that one too. Knowing Elon Musk, he could always go full pop-culture and call it the Johnny Cab, just like in Total Recall. (Not that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s version ended too well…)
Interestingly, Tesla and UniBev aren’t the only ones chasing the name. A global search shows other filings in Germany and the UK, both under Nice Classification 39. That category covers transport, packaging, storage of goods, and travel arrangements—so more like airlines and logistics companies than cars.
FAQ’s
1. What happened with Tesla’s Cybercab name?
Tesla lost the rights to the Cybercab name because another company, UniBev, filed for the trademark first.
2. Who is UniBev?
UniBev is a French company registered with the government but has no real online presence. It seems to focus on trademark filings rather than traditional business.
3. Could Tesla have used the name Cybercab?
No, UniBev’s trademark for vehicles was approved and published in the US before Tesla applied.
4. What was the first name Tesla planned for the self-driving ride-hail car?
The first planned name was Robotaxi, but it was rejected for being merely descriptive.
5. Why was Robotaxi rejected?
The USPTO said “robotaxi” is descriptive of the vehicle’s function, not a unique brand, and multiple parties already use the term generically.
6. When did Elon Musk first reveal the self-driving ride-hail car?
Elon Musk announced the concept on October 11, 2024.
7. When did Tesla apply for the Cybercab trademark?
Tesla applied for the trademark on October 17, 2024.
8. When did UniBev apply for Cybercab?
UniBev filed for the trademark on April 29, 2024, in France, months before Tesla applied.
9. What is the US Patent and Trademark Office’s role in this?
The USPTO reviews trademark applications and issues approvals or rejections based on rules and prior claims.
10. Did Tesla receive a suspension notice?
Yes, Tesla received a trademark suspension notice on April 23, 2025, and additional suspensions later in October.
11. What does a trademark suspension notice mean?
It means the USPTO is pausing the application because of a conflict with an existing trademark.
12. Can Tesla appeal the decision?
Yes, Tesla could try to appeal the USPTO’s decision regarding the Cybercab name.
13. Could Tesla buy the name from UniBev?
Yes, negotiating a purchase of the trademark from UniBev is one option for Tesla.
14. Is Cybercab a good name for a car?
Many think it’s catchy and futuristic, perfect for a self-driving ride-hail vehicle.
15. Why does UniBev own so many similar names?
UniBev appears to focus on trademark filings for popular tech and automotive names, including Teslaquila and Cyber Van.
16. What other names does UniBev own?
Some examples include Teslaquila, Genius Beer, Xcab, Teslaquila Hard Seltzer, Cyber Diner, and Cyber Van.
17. Did UniBev try to get Robotaxi too?
Yes, but that trademark was also rejected for being descriptive.
18. Can Tesla use a similar name like Cybertaxi?
Probably not, because UniBev also owns that name in their trademark portfolio.
19. Could Elon Musk name the car Johnny Cab?
He could, but it’s a pop-culture reference from *Total Recall* and might be risky.
20. What is the Cybervan?
The Cybervan is Tesla’s larger self-driving vehicle concept that can carry up to 20 passengers or be adapted into campers, work vans, or school buses.
21. Will the production Cybervan have scissor doors?
Concept versions did, but the production model will likely have more standard doors.
22. Is Cybercab related to wine?
No, even though the name sounds like it could be a Cabernet brand, UniBev’s trademark is for vehicles, not beverages.
23. What are Nice Classifications?
They are categories used for trademarks. For example, Class 39 covers transport and travel services.
24. Are there other Cybercab trademarks globally?
Yes, there are filings in Germany and the UK under Class 39.
25. What does Class 39 cover?
It covers transport, storage of goods, and travel arrangements, including airlines and logistics companies.
26. Why didn’t Tesla secure the trademark sooner?
They applied after announcing the car, which left them vulnerable to prior claims like UniBev’s.
27. Did the Teslaquila experience affect this?
Yes, the earlier Teslaquila trademark issues show a history of Musk’s team not securing names promptly.
28. Can Tesla use a different name entirely?
Yes, picking a completely new, original name is the simplest option.
29. What makes a trademark descriptive?
A descriptive trademark directly describes the product’s function, quality, or purpose instead of being unique.
30. How many people can the Cybervan carry?
Up to 20 passengers.
31. Can the Cybervan be converted?
Yes, it can be transformed into an autonomous camper, school bus, or work van.
32. Did Tesla really lose the name Cybercab?
Yes, the USPTO approved UniBev’s claim before Tesla could secure it.
33. Does UniBev operate cars?
No, UniBev seems focused on holding trademarks rather than producing vehicles.
34. How does a trademark squatter operate?
They register popular or promising names in hopes of selling or licensing them later.
35. Is this common in the automotive industry?
Yes, many companies file trademarks early to secure potential product names.
36. Could this affect Tesla’s marketing?
Potentially, because Cybercab was a catchy, futuristic name for media and promotions.
37. Is the Cybervan self-driving?
Yes, it is Tesla’s fully autonomous ride-hail concept vehicle.
38. Was the Cybercab trademark issue public?
Yes, reports and USPTO notices revealed the conflict earlier this year.
39. Did Tesla know UniBev existed before filing?
It’s unclear, but the timing suggests they didn’t anticipate the conflict.
40. What is a suspension notice?
It’s a pause issued by the USPTO when a trademark application conflicts with another claim.
41. Can Tesla use the name outside the US?
It depends on trademark laws in other countries, but conflicts may exist globally.
42. Did UniBev file for other Tesla-themed names?
Yes, including Teslaquila, Xcab, and Cyber Van.
43. What’s the difference between Cybervan and Cybercab?
The Cybervan is a larger vehicle for groups, while Cybercab was the self-driving ride-hail car concept.
44. Could Elon Musk choose a humorous name?
Yes, he has a history of using playful or pop-culture references.
45. Is this a big setback for Tesla?
It’s minor in terms of operations, but it’s a branding challenge.
46. How does the USPTO decide trademark disputes?
They review prior filings, descriptive status, and conflicts to approve or reject applications.
47. Could Tesla still try Cybercab as a logo?
They could try, but UniBev’s ownership makes it complicated and risky.
48. Does this affect Tesla’s self-driving plans?
No, the technology and vehicle development continue, just under a different name.
49. Is there a chance UniBev will sell the name?
Possibly, if Tesla negotiates a deal or licensing agreement.
50. How long does trademark protection last?
In the US, trademarks can last indefinitely if they are actively used and renewed.
51. Are there similar disputes in the automotive world?
Yes, automakers frequently face conflicts over names and trademarks, especially for innovative or futuristic models.