Walmart can offer cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Documents filed with the USPTO testify to this.
The early 2020s saw the birth of blockchain-based technologies. This trend is set to pick up even more in 2022, and now it’s up to the giants to seize the opportunity. Everyone wants to position themselves to get their share of the pie. The tech giants are there, but other big names, sometimes far from it all, want to try it too. It could be Walmart.
Walmart may offer cryptocurrencies and NFTs
American retail giant Walmart does not want to lose sight of the popularity of cryptocurrencies. CNBC learned that in late December, the brand filed with the USPTO – the United States Patent and Trademark Office – several trademarks for the sale of virtual goods, and in another application it would be doubtful to offer cryptocurrency, as well as NFC. While these documents do not guarantee such products will become a reality, trademark attorney Josh Gerben told CNBC that the marks were extremely detailed – it looks like Walmart has clear intentions to enter the digital currency and product market.
Documents filed with the USPTO testify to this.
In a statement, a Walmart spokesperson told Engadget that the company is “constantly looking into”how new technologies can affect purchases and is “very often”registering trademarks in this regard. In other words, don’t expect the American giant to officially confirm or deny anything at this stage.
Either way, it wouldn’t be weird for Walmart to get into cryptocurrencies or NFTs. Since Facebook’s rebranding to Meta and its stated desire to dive into the metaverse, many major brands have begun to actively encroach on the market for either digital currencies or NFTs, or even both. Adidas, Nike, Gap and other big names have already started selling NFTs and have more or less explicitly expressed their desire to create virtual spaces. Walmart probably doesn’t want to overshoot by taking their time.