Ex Populus Sues Elon Musk’s xAI for Trademark Infringement
In a significant legal move, Ex Populus, the Delaware-based corporation behind the Ethereum gaming network Xai, has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI. The complaint, lodged in the Northern District of California, centers around allegations of trademark infringement.
Background of the Dispute
The contention arises from Ex Populus’s claim of using the XAI trademark in U.S. commerce as early as June 2023, a full month before Musk’s xAI announcement in July of the same year. This trademark encompasses their blockchain gaming ecosystem and the associated $XAI token, which have been integral components of their operations.
As part of their legal action, Ex Populus aims to protect their brand identity, emphasizing the responsibility to uphold a name that has garnered community trust. The company shared more details on the case via their official Twitter handle, underscoring the urgency of safeguarding their trademark rights.
— XAI 🎮⛓️ (@XAI_GAMES) August 22, 2025
Market Confusion and Overlapping Interests
The lawsuit highlights increased marketplace confusion following Musk’s announcement in November 2024 regarding the launch of a gaming studio by xAI. This move, perceived as encroaching upon Ex Populus’s established domain, reached an audience of over 36 million on social media, further blurring the lines between the two entities.
Ex Populus alleges that this overlap has not only led to lost goodwill but has also inflicted reputational damage. The company cites negative consumer sentiment linked to Musk’s public persona and controversies surrounding xAI products, including incidents involving their Grok chatbot.
Trademark Office Intervention and Legal Maneuvering
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has intervened by suspending several of Musk’s xAI trademark applications, citing a likelihood of confusion with the existing Xai mark. In response, Musk’s legal team attempted to challenge Ex Populus’s trademark rights by threatening cancellation proceedings and acquiring an abandoned “X.AI” registration.
Ex Populus argues that the previous owner had relinquished the mark in October 2021, rendering Musk’s acquisition invalid. The gaming network seeks not only the cancellation of xAI’s pending applications but also demands financial restitution, including disgorgement of profits and damages for infringement.
Financial Implications and Industry Impact
The legal battle unfolds amidst a challenging period for the XAI token, which has plummeted 96.7% from its all-time high of $1.60 in March 2024. The token’s decline reflects broader trends in the cryptocurrency market and diminished interest in blockchain gaming platforms.
As the case progresses, it underscores the complexities of trademark disputes in the rapidly evolving sectors of blockchain and artificial intelligence. With both companies vying for dominance in this innovative space, the outcome could set a precedent for future conflicts.
For further details and updates on this legal case, visit the source link: https://coincentral.com/ethereum-gaming-network-xai-sues-elon-musks-ai-company-over-trademark-rights/
