Nike has filed a trademark application for the phrase “Cryptokicks,” a document filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on April 19 shows.
The footwear giant’s application describes offering crypto wallets and “downloadable mobile applications for providing access to crypto collectibles, crypto art and application tokens” — as well as operating an online marketplace featuring footwear and clothing.
Its document also sets out plans for “providing a digital currency or digital token for use by members of an online community,” and enabling transactions to be completed using “unconventional currency systems.”
Elsewhere in the document, Nike sets out how it wants to reserve the Cryptokicks name for providing “online blogs in the field of crypto collectibles” and offering online computer games such as scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and obstacle courses.
Josh Gerben, a trademark attorney in the U.S. who analyzed the filing on Twitter, said:
“This appears to be a filing for a brand of a cryptocurrency … this is trademark speak for ‘this is a cryptocurrency called Cryptokicks.”
Gerben explained that the application was made on a “1B” basis, which means Nike has submitted a sworn statement indicating they intend to use the trademark in the near future.
The filing means that the public or Nike’s business rivals have 30 days to mount an objection.
Nike has been pushing its mobile app and social media strategy aggressively, and according to the brand’s website, its digital commerce business is now worth $2 billion.