xAI. Source: Luciano Luppa - stock.adobe.com

Key Takeaways:

Ethereum-based gaming platform Xai is suing Elon Musk’s xAI for trademark infringement, citing brand confusion and reputational damage.
The lawsuit claims xAI’s activities, including launching a gaming studio, have blurred brand identities and caused negative consumer sentiment.
Ex Populus alleges legal intimidation and notes that Musk’s trademark filings have been suspended due to conflicts with Xai’s existing registrations.

Ethereum-based gaming network Xai, developed by Ex Populus, has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI.

The complaint, submitted in the Northern District of California, alleges that Musk’s firm has caused significant brand confusion and reputational harm by using the “xAI” name.

Ex Populus took legal action today to protect the Xai brand. With increased confusion around Elon Musk’s AI company (@xai), it’s a big responsibility to safeguard the brand that the community trusts. You can read more details at https://t.co/ce8Aw9hNCZ
— XAI 🎮⛓️ (@XAI_GAMES) August 22, 2025

Ex Populus claims it has held the XAI trademark since June 2023, tied to its blockchain gaming ecosystem and the $XAI token, and that xAI’s launch in July 2023 – followed by its gaming studio announcement in November 2024 – has blurred the distinction between the two brands.

The lawsuit highlights cases where consumers, media outlets, and even xAI’s chatbot Grok have confused the companies.

Ex Populus argues that the association with Musk has damaged its goodwill, sparking negative consumer sentiment.

The filing further accuses Musk’s legal team of attempting to pressure Ex Populus into abandoning trademark rights.

Adding weight to their case, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has suspended several of xAI’s applications.

Ex Populus seeks damages, cancellation of xAI’s filings, and a court injunction preventing Musk’s company from using the name in gaming and blockchain sectors.