Ethereum-based xAI gaming network operated by Ex Populus has officially filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company.
The complaint submitted in the Northern District of California, accuses Musk’s firm of brand infringement and unfair competition.
It claims that its brand which has been in use since June 2023 through its blockchain-powered gameplay ecosystem and token has suffered due to confusion caused by Musk’s company.
Source: X
According to Ex Populus this is a clear case of trademark violation and they are asking the court to step in to safeguard the brand that their community trusts.
The feud escalated when Musk introduced his firm July 2023. Things took a further turn in November 2024 when Elon announced xAI gaming studio plans.
This reportedly created market mayhem with customers, media and even Elon's AI chatbot. Grok falsely credited Musk's project to the Ex's ecosystem.
The suit identifies that it not only lost goodwill control but also suffered from negative consumer perception resulting from Musk's questionable reputation and intense debates over gameplay products.
It further alleges that Elon's legal team recently tried to pressure them into giving up their brand rights by threatening cancellation of their registration.
On top of this the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has already suspended several of Elon's xAI gaming trademark applications due to possible confusion with its brand.
The company argues that continued association with Elon is harming its reputation and misleading the community it serves.
This official battle between Xai and xAI gaming underscores the need for good branding in fast-changing domains such as blockchain and AI.
Whereas Ex Populus wishes to defend its focus environment, the entry into the gameplay space by Elon with gameplay has caused unintentional overlaps.
The court decision may be an important guide to how technology and blockchain companies handle trademark conflicts in the future.
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