Rev your virtual engines — BMW is officially entering the metaverse.
The world-renowned German automaker and motorbike manufacturer just filed a Web3 trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The trademark will enable BMW’s logo to be used to host a myriad of Web3 products and services.
The news was reported on November 30th, 2022, by Mike Kondoudis, a trademark attorney who often shares information about Web3 trademark applications in the United States. The new non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and metaverse trademark could set BMW up to become a major player in Web3.
The trademark application from BMW is for the following:
- Downloadable multimedia files containing artwork, text, music, multimedia files, and videos of automobiles
- NFT-authenticated media
- Virtual vehicles, clothing, footwear, headwear, and vehicles
- Retail stores for virtual vehicles and clothing
- Virtual and metaverse environments
- Downloadable computer games
- Downloadable computer programs with toy vehicles, vehicles, accessories, and vehicle components to be used in VR and metaverse settings
The application also indicates that BMW plans to use downloadable virtual goods and NFTs in metaverse environments and games, a move that’s becoming more common with big brands and companies around the world.
This isn’t BMW’s first foray into Web3. Earlier in the year, BMW partnered with Fender and VR platform Horizon Worlds to create a virtual experience in Meta’s virtual world. Now it appears the famous carmaker is setting itself up to enter Web3 on its own.
Car Companies Are Bullish on the Metaverse
The move from BMW to file Web3 trademarks related to NFTs and the metaverse is a big deal. But BMW is far from the only car manufacturer to invest in Web3 technologies. At Rarity Sniper, we’ve covered several articles about automobile brands in the metaverse. Here are some of our top stories.
First, the sports car manufacture Lamborghini announced the release of a new NFT project – an 8-month NFT journey that will feature 32 separate NFT drops. Lamborghini will release four new NFTs each week until March 2023, and fans who collect a certain number of NFTs will be rewarded with a prize at the end of the project.
Next, Nissan Motors showcased its all-electric crossover SUV Ariya in the metaverse. Nissan utilized the WebXR-enabled browser to create an immersive visual and interactive experience accessible via mobile, desktop, and VR. The experience also featured artwork from five renowned British artists.
Lastly, Porsche, the luxury performance car manufacturer, announced it was dropping an NFT collection in January 2023 centered around the Porsche 911 car. The collection consists of 7,500 NFTs broken into three categories: Performance, Heritage, and Lifestyle.
As the metaverse continues to evolve, users are looking to own some of the same items they use and love in real life, and automobile companies are taking notice. We’ll have to be patient to see how BMW chooses to use its new NFT and metaverse trademarks. But one thing is certain: BMW is bullish on Web3.