HSBC, Mastercard File More Crypto-Related Trademark Applications

HSBC and Mastercard, two major players in the banking and payment industries, have submitted additional trademark applications related to cryptocurrencies with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Mastercard’s filing focuses on crypto and blockchain transactions while HSBC’s application focuses on metaverse banking and services related to non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

HSBC and Mastercard Expand Crypto Footprint

HSBC and Mastercard have continued to file trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a wide range of crypto-related services.

USPTO attorney Mike Kondoudis tweeted Monday that Mastercard filed a new trademark application (serial no. 98038563) on June 12 for the word mark “Mastercard Crypto Credential.” It covers software for verifying interactions, processing or exchanging cryptocurrencies, and connecting virtual asset service providers (VASPs).

HSBC also filed a new crypto-related trademark application (serial no. 98037178) on June 12. The banking giant’s filing for the word mark “HSBC Innovation Banking” focuses on metaverse banking, consulting, financial services, virtual credit cards, and several services involving non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

In December last year, HSBC filed trademark applications for its name and logo covering a broad range of crypto-related services. In March, the bank joined the metaverse by partnering with blockchain virtual gaming platform The Sandbox. However, HSBC Group’s CEO, Noel Quinn, said in September that crypto is not in the bank’s future.

Mastercard has been focusing on crypto for quite some time. In April last year, Mastercard filed 15 metaverse and NFT-related trademark applications. Last November, the payment giant said it is focusing on five key areas to turn crypto into an everyday way to pay.

An increasing number of major corporations and financial services institutions have filed trademark applications for a broad range of digital currency and metaverse products and services, including Visa, Paypal, and Western Union.

What do you think about major companies continuing to file trademark applications covering a wide range of crypto and metaverse-related products and services? Let us know in the comments section below.