Ethereum Gaming Network Xai Files Trademark Suit Against Musk’s xAI

Ethereum gaming network Xai has launched a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI, accusing it of trademark infringement and unfair competition. The case was filed Thursday in the Northern District of California.

Good to know

• Ex Populus, the company behind Xai, has used the XAI trademark since June 2023.
• Confusion escalated after Musk’s xAI announced gaming ambitions in late 2024.
• The USPTO has already suspended several of Musk’s xAI trademark filings.

Allegations of Confusion

Ex Populus argues that Musk’s xAI has created widespread marketplace confusion, with consumers, publications, and even Musk’s AI assistant Grok mistakenly linking the two ventures. The filing states this has damaged Xai’s brand and generated “significant negative consumer sentiment” due to Musk’s polarizing reputation.

Xai operates a blockchain-powered gaming network and the $XAI token, offering infrastructure for AI-driven gameplay, rewards, and digital transactions. Ex Populus told the court the overlap is “a classic case of trademark infringement.”

The complaint says Musk’s legal team recently pressured Ex Populus to give up its rights, while the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has already flagged confusion by suspending xAI’s applications.

Ex Populus is seeking damages, cancellation of Musk’s trademark filings, and an order preventing xAI from using the disputed name in gaming or blockchain contexts.