Science & Technology

Musk fails in bid to trademark the names 'Telepathy' and 'Telekinesis'

By T.K. Randall
September 6, 2025

Image: Elon Musk at the SpaceX CRS-8 post-launch press conference
Credit: Kim Shiflett / (PD) NASA Having previously been described by Musk as an answer to the existential threat of an artificial intelligence surpassing our own capabilities, Neuralink's work in enabling people to control computers using nothing but their own thoughts has certainly raised a few eyebrows in recent years.

At a glance, it may seem like an unnecessary exercise in dabbling a bit too far beyond the line that most people are likely to feel comfortable with, yet it does have the potential to make great strides in improving the lives of those with a variety of debilitating medical conditions ranging from locked-in-syndrome to paralysis.

It could also make it possible to enhance the human condition, providing 'powers' that could range from superior vision to the ability to replay memories inside one's own head.

To this end, the firm recently attempted to trademark names for some of the powers that will seemingly be obtainable through the use of this technology - Telekinesis and Telepathy.As it turned out, however, another company - Prophetic - had registered these names first.

Owned by computer scientist Wesley Berry, Prophetic aims to "pioneer a radical transformation of the human experience."

"Both Berry and Neuralink filed 'intent-to-use' applications, which allow businesses and inventors to reserve trademark rights before using the mark in commerce," the US trademark office wrote.

"Berry's application for Telepathy was accepted in December 2024 and for Telekinesis in August 2025 but the trademarks aren't fully registered until he shows that he's actually using them in commerce."

"Berry has three years to do that from acceptance, otherwise his applications would be considered abandoned and Neuralink's application would take priority."

Source: Gizmodo

Tags: Neuralink, Elon Musk