Tesla is initiating legal action against the company Unibev for alleged fraud and trademark squatting as it prepares to launch its autonomous taxi, the Cybercab.
Tesla is engaged in a legal dispute with French beverage wholesaler Unibev over the "Cybercab" trademark, a conflict that could potentially hinder the vehicle's international market rollout.
Tesla has previously outlined a vision of the future featuring self-driving Cybercabs transporting passengers through cities, supported by humanoid robots handling most tasks, leading to what it terms "extreme abundance in smart mobility." While technological challenges were seen as the primary hurdle, the situation changed with the involvement of the little-known French beverage distributor.
The lawsuit centers on Unibev's claim to the trademark rights for the term "Cybercab." This legal battle coincides with Tesla's imminent launch of the Cybercab, a vehicle considered crucial to the company's autonomous driving and robotics strategy. A prolonged case could restrict Tesla's ability to market the Cybercab globally.
In a 167-page document filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Tesla characterized its opponent as a "malicious trademark squatter who started out as just a Tesla fan." The filing accuses the French company of fraudulently registering the Cybercab trademark.
The documents reveal that Jean-Louis Rentali, a co-owner of Unibev who resides on the island of Corsica, is a frequent participant in Tesla's quarterly earnings calls and often comments on posts by CEO Elon Musk on the X platform. In recent years, Rentali has congratulated Musk on company developments and even invited him to the French island to sample "local fish and lobster."
There is no indication that Unibev, headquartered in the scenic island capital of Ajaccio, has ever manufactured any vehicles. However, in its trademark application, the company stated its intention to use the "Cybercab" name for its own transport products, which could potentially include cars, boats, or aircraft.
"They are probably doing this to be a thorn in Tesla's side," said Jessica Litman, a trademark law professor at the University of Michigan. She suggested that if Tesla can demonstrate that Unibev has never produced a car, it stands a strong chance of winning back the trademark.
The two companies will present their arguments before the Patent and Trademark Office, with a ruling potentially delayed until as late as 2027. A case of that duration could leave Tesla in a trademark bind during a critical period.
Tesla plans to begin Cybercab production in April, with sales starting before the end of the year. Professor Litman noted that even without the trademark, Tesla could still sell the product in the U.S., but Unibev's claims could complicate international launches. This situation might pressure Tesla to attempt to acquire the trademark rights.
"Ultimately, this creates legal complications," Litman said. "These complications might be sufficiently bothersome that Tesla would be willing to pay to make them go away."
A Tesla representative did not respond to a request for comment. Anthony Lupo, an external lawyer for Tesla handling the case, declined to comment through a spokesperson. Unibev's U.S. lawyer and its registered director also did not respond.
The dispute hinges on the timing of the trademark applications. Elon Musk first publicly used the term "Cybercab" during an earnings call on April 23, 2024, stating, "We will be showing off the Cybercab, which is our dedicated robotaxi, in August." Just six days later, Rentali filed a trademark application for Cybercab in France. Tesla did not file its own application in the United States until approximately six months later, shortly after the vehicle's unveiling in October 2024.
In April 2025, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office informed Tesla that its application was suspended. Under international trademark law, Unibev's French application from April of the previous year holds priority.
Unibev is already a known entity to Tesla's trademark lawyers. The beverage company has registered over twenty trademarks globally related to Tesla and Musk, including "Cyber Diner" and "With a Touch of Musk."
In the coming months, the two companies will present their defenses before the Patent and Trademark Office. If Unibev prevails, Tesla would likely need to negotiate for the right to use the name outside the U.S. or rebrand the vehicle for international markets. If Unibev loses, Tesla could proceed as planned. There is currently no indication that Tesla intends to change the Cybercab name.
Years prior to the Cybercab trademark issue, Unibev secured another trademark from Tesla for a creative beverage named "Teslaquila." The company sells beer under this name, featuring a label with an image of inventor Nikola Tesla.
Rentali openly communicated this legal victory to Musk at the time. He wrote to Musk on X, "We will welcome you in Ajaccio with a fresh glass of Teslaquila Original Gold. Have a good day."
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