Car Maker Ford Files NFT Trademarks Ahead Of Metaverse Move

U.S. car maker Ford is gearing toward the Metaverse and non-fungible token (NFT) market, with the company filing a total of 19 trademark applications related to these technologies with the U.S. Patent and Trade Office (USPTO). 

Among others, the filed documentation outlines Ford’s plans to offer downloadable multimedia files that contain “artwork, text, audio, and video featuring automobiles, SUVs, trucks and vans authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs),” as well as downloadable virtual goods that feature “automobiles, SUVs, trucks and vans, land vehicle parts and accessories, and clothing for use in online virtual worlds,” among others, according to the applications submitted on September 2.

The car maker is also planning to offer entertainment services  by providing online virtual cars, SUVs, trucks and vans, land vehicle parts and accessories, as well as clothing that will be enabled for use in virtual environments. Ford also aims to host online exhibitions via virtual reality and augmented reality, the applications say.

Owing to the submitted trademarks, the group will be able to offer NFTs through a dedicated online marketplace and sell virtual vehicles and clothing under its brands which include Ford, Lincoln and Troller.

With its latest venture, Ford is following in the footsteps of rival American car makers such as Chevrolet. In June 2022, the company hosted its first NFT event, offering an NFT of a lime green Corvette Z06 that was promised to come with a free 2023 Corvette Z06 vehicle. The auction was launched via NFT marketplace SuperRare, and the opening bid was ETH 206. Despite the car maker’s efforts, the auction netted zero bids.