Who Really Owns ‘Telepathy’? Delving into Ownership and Rights

Who Really Owns 'Telepathy'? Delving into Ownership and Rights

Elon Musk’s groundbreaking neural implant company, Neuralink, is in pursuit of trademarks for two ambitious product names: Telepathy and Telekinesis. Musk has famously suggested that his enterprise could endow individuals with “superpowers,” making the strategy to secure these evocative names quite logical. However, Neuralink faces a hurdle as another startup has already submitted trademark applications for both terms.

According to Wired, a unique startup focusing on lucid dreaming, dubbed Prophetic, has successfully filed for the Telepathy trademark in 2023 and for Telekinesis last summer. Founded by computer scientist Wesley Berry, Prophetic aims to significantly alter the human experience with a non-invasive neuromodulation wearable designed to assist with achieving lucid dreaming. Details on how exactly this device will operate remain scarce.

Due to Prophetic’s earlier filings, the U.S. Trademark Office is currently blocking Neuralink’s trademark attempts. Nevertheless, there could still be a chance for Neuralink to acquire these names if Berry’s venture struggles to gain traction. It’s worth noting:

Both Berry and Neuralink filed “intent-to-use” applications. This type of filing permits businesses to reserve trademark rights before actual commerce. Berry’s Telepathy application, accepted in December 2024, and Telekinesis application, accepted in August 2025, aren’t fully registered until he utilizes the trademarks commercially. Berry has three years from acceptance to prove usage; if he fails, Neuralink’s application may take precedence.

Overall, while this presents a temporary setback for Neuralink, the company has plenty of other captivating terms to explore for its innovative product offerings. Perhaps a term like Mind Control could be on the horizon.

In recent news, Neuralink has made strides with its wireless brain-computer interface device—now two additional patients have successfully undergone surgery for implantation. The procedures took place at UHN’s Toronto Western Hospital on August 27 and September 3, 2025, aimed at evaluating the safety and functionality of Neuralink’s implant, which is operated by a towering robot named “R1.” This impressive machine is responsible for delicately suturing the chip’s electrified wires into the patient’s brain. The recent implant recipients are both facing spinal cord injuries, according to the hospital’s announcement.

The first individual to receive Neuralink’s chip was Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic man who underwent surgery in January 2024. Following the procedure, Arbaugh reported that he could control video games using only his thoughts. He has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of Neuralink’s journey, sharing his life-changing experiences with various media outlets.

Curious about Neuralink’s innovations?

Can Neuralink help treat spinal cord injuries? Yes, Neuralink’s technology aims to potentially restore motor functions for individuals with spinal cord injuries through brain-computer interfaces.

What are the anticipated capabilities of Neuralink’s brain implants? The implants are designed to facilitate direct communication between the brain and external devices, potentially allowing users to control technology using their thoughts.

Is Neuralink unique in the brain-computer interface space? While there are others working on similar technologies, Neuralink’s focus on scalable, high-performance brain interfaces stands out in the industry.

How long do patients have to wait for trademark resolution? If Wesley Berry fails to commercialize within three years of acceptance, Neuralink’s application could take priority for the trademarks Telepathy and Telekinesis.

In conclusion, Neuralink’s groundbreaking technology continues to evolve, and while trademark challenges exist, the future holds exciting possibilities for brain-computer interfaces. For more insights and updates, continue exploring related content at Moyens I/O.