Tesla Reveals New Roadster Logos in Trademark Filings
Tesla has filed two new trademark applications tied to its long-anticipated Roadster electric sports car, offering the first public glimpse at logos that may be used with the vehicle.
The filings, made on February 3, cover two separate designs. One application seeks protection for a stylized “Roadster” mark, shown in what appears to be a slanted or italicized font.
The second application covers a sleek, streamlined car design that represents the Roadster itself.
Tesla previously announced plans to release a two-door electric sports car under the Roadster name, but until now, the logos associated with the vehicle had not been disclosed.
Both applications were filed on an “intent to use” basis, which means Tesla has not yet used the logos in commerce but claims a bona fide intention to do so. This approach allows a company to secure nationwide trademark rights before a public launch or formal announcement.
Trademark applications are often filed ahead of product reveals precisely for this reason. By filing early, Tesla locks in a nationwide priority date, preventing third parties from attempting to register the same or confusingly similar marks after the logos are publicly announced.
From a trademark strategy standpoint, these filings make perfect sense.
By filing for the Roadster logos before publicly unveiling them, Tesla eliminates the risk of trademark squatters trying to beat the company to the USPTO once the designs are announced.
One interesting detail buried in the applications is how they were drafted. Tesla could have used the USPTO’s pre-approved “standard” identification language for electric vehicles, which would have kept the government filing fee at $350 per application. Instead, the company opted for customized wording, triggering an additional $200 per application in USPTO fees.
Not exactly an issue if you’re Elon Musk, but a noteworthy detail for trademark nerds.
All told, Tesla has now secured two new trademark applications covering logos tied to its upcoming Roadster, further signaling that the long-promised electric sports car remains very much in the works.
Josh Gerben, Esq.
Josh Gerben, Esq. is a nationally recognized trademark attorney and the founder of Gerben IP. Since launching the firm in 2008, he has overseen the registration of over 10,000 trademarks and handled over 1,500 trademark disputes. Josh's practice focuses on building and defending global trademark portfolios for clients. These clients include entrepreneurs, private equity-backed businesses, athletes, celebrities, and public companies. Frequently quoted by major media outlets like CNBC, CNN, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, Josh is widely regarded as a leading authority in trademark law.
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