A Tesla superfan has revealed that he is behind the company’s trademark applications for jets and boats, filed to “help” Elon Musk.
In late December, a filing with the US Patent and Trademark Office caused a stir by hinting that the Austin-based company could develop a “non-land vehicle” motorcycle.
Investing.com reported the shipment for categories including motors for aircraft, boats and toys.
The apparent expansion as shares in the disruptor surged in the final days of 2022, as investors awaited news on record Q4 and full-year delivery statistics.
However, the Tesla launched into the sea and sky is actually the work of a self-professed enthusiast, Jerome Eady.
Although the document signed on December 28th names Tesla as the owner of the trademark, it is actually Eady’s signature that appears at the bottom.
Earlier this week, the application was listed as “awaiting assignment to examining attorney”.
Speaking to Bloomberg on Wednesday, Eady said he was just trying to “help”.
Eady added that he had proactively filed after Tesla CEO Elon Musk suggested the Cybertruck could be used as a boat.
Musk has previously thought about creating an electric plane – even confirming the batteries needed to make electric flights could be produced by 2024.
In 2021, the owner of Twitter added that he was “dead” to create a “supersonic jet”.
Eady insists he acted without Tesla’s knowledge or permission.
Tesla and the attorney listed on the trademark filing did not respond to Fortune’s request for comment.
The patent office also did not immediately reply.
Our new weekly Impact Report newsletter examines how ESG news and trends are shaping the roles and responsibilities of today’s executives. Subscribe here.