According to filings with the US Patent and Trademark Office, Walmart, the largest US retailer, is preparing to enter the NFT space, as well as launching its own cryptocurrency.
New trademark applications were filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on December 30, 2021, according to CNBC. In total, seven applications were submitted, according to which Walmart plans to create and sell virtual goods. In a separate filing, the company said it would release its own cryptocurrency and NFT collection. Walmart emphasizes that it is “constantly exploring how new technologies can impact the shopping experience.”
“We are constantly testing new ideas. Some of them become new products or services. And we test some and get new knowledge,” the applications say.
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben pointed out that the filings contained a lot of information about Walmart’s future plans. Many companies are now realizing the importance of NFTs and the metaverses and are trying to protect their brands in these areas. The lawyer expects that with the growing popularity of NFTs and the metaverses, other retail chains will also begin to enter these industries.
More than 200 ATMs were installed in Walmart stores last year.
