In recent weeks and months, an increasing number of businesses have shown an interest in virtual reality, popularly known as the metaverse.
Following in the footsteps of its fast-food chain competitor McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) decision to explore the Metaverse Yum! Brands, the owner of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), has submitted multiple trademark applications for non-fungible tokens (NFT) and metaverse products and services.
According to metaverse trademark attorney Michael Kondoudis who tweeted on March 20, the applications were filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on March 25, 2022, signaling plans to expand these brands into NFTs and virtual products and services, including virtual food and beverage products, retail services, and online virtual restaurants.
Mr. Kondoudis stated in a press release:
“Clearly, Yum! Brands sees the potential of the Metaverse and is preparing its trademarks and brands for the virtual economy that will dominate it.”
The attorney added:
These trademark filings “follow the trend by other participants in the restaurant sector like McDonald’s, Burger King, Panera Bread, and Panda Express to begin preparations to participate in the Metaverse.”