The University of Alabama (UA), the state of Alabama’s oldest public university, has filed six trademark applications for its names and logos, citing plans for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and metaverse-related services.
The application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on November 9, 2022. The development was first announced by Mike Kondoudis, a USPTO-licensed trademark and patent attorney, on Monday.
UA Files NFT and the Metaverse-Related Trademarks
As included in its trademark application, the university plans to offer services related to NFTs and digital tokens, online stores for virtual goods, financial brokerage services, and more.
UA trademark application claims plans for downloadable multimedia files authenticated by NFTs, downloadable digital media, digital collectibles, and downloadable computer software featuring digital trading cards in the field of collegiate athletics.
The university also plans to launch online retail store services featuring virtual merchandise, namely, multimedia files, NFTs, and digital collectibles.
It further claims plans for an online marketplace for buyers and sellers of downloadable digital artwork. In addition, UA plans to launch financial brokerage services and more.
Not the First of Its Kind
While this is the first time UA will be filing for a crypto-related trademark, a handful of other educational institutions have filed for trademark applications related to crypto in recent times.
A few months ago, Arizona State University (ASU) filed trademark applications for its names and “Red Devil” logo which claimed plans for NFT-backed media, virtual clothing, and virtual environments for athletics.
Interest in Crypto Surges
Aside from educational institutions, more and more firms in other sectors have continued to show significant interest in crypto in recent months. In October, financial services company Western Union filed trademark applications for crypto-related services.
Earlier this month, payments services giant Visa also filed two trademark applications related to the metaverse and NFTs. Just recently, Coinfomania reported that prominent luxury watchmaker Rolex filed for crypto, NFT, and metaverse trademarks with USPTO.
