Elon Musk’s Neuralink Trademark: Noland Arbaugh’s Implant Was Just The Beginning

Just think about this - what if you could sit at your desk, lock eyes with your computer screen, and complete a task with just a thought?  The cursor moves, tabs open, and research gets done, all without ever touching a mouse or keyboard. What would you do with such a superpower?

Before you start questioning whether this is even possible, Noland Arbaugh - the first person to receive Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain implant - has already made it a reality. Arbaugh, who was paralyzed from the neck down after a diving accident, received the implant and was able to play chess on his computer using nothing but his thoughts. He simply envisioned his next move on the board, and just like that, he was able to defy limitations. 

This moment comes after seven years of research and FDA approval for human testing. Neuralink’s goal is to create a brain-computer interface that can restore vision, bring back movement, and even assist with conditions like autism. The project began with animal trials, and after a series of successful tests, Neuralink moved on to humans. Now, the company is taking a significant stride to legally protect this futuristic innovation -  filing a trademark application

The trademark filing is a sign of more to come.

With this trademark, Neuralink is moving toward a future where brain-connected technology enhances human abilities, allowing for more precise control and communication. The filing covers surgical robots, brain implants, and thin wires that could help restore movement, speech, and vision. The trademark also includes tools that read brain signals, use electrical pulses for treatment, and safely place implants. Beyond the devices, it covers software that may help diagnose and treat brain conditions, control brain-connected systems, and process brain activity. It even mentions artificial intelligence, programs for vision and brain research, and wireless chargers made for the implant.

How Neuralink works

According to sources from Tesla Space - a platform dedicated to sharing the latest news, insights, and all aspects of Elon Musk’s business ventures - the Neuralink brain implant is placed inside the skull and connected to the brain with small, flexible wires, making it invisible from the outside. Because these wires are too thin for human hands to place precisely, Neuralink developed the R1 surgical robot to insert them with extreme accuracy, ensuring a strong connection while minimizing tissue damage.

Once in place, the implant begins recording brain activity, detecting signals that represent a person’s intentions. It then wirelessly transmits this data to external devices like computers or smartphones, allowing users to control them using only their thoughts, no matter where they are. The implant is powered by a small battery that charges wirelessly, eliminating the need for cables or external power sources.

For people with paralysis or other neurological conditions, this could open up new possibilities for independence and mobility.

A future closer than you think

With this trademark filing, the future of brain-computer interfaces is no longer just an idea - it is becoming a reality. While a trademark doesn’t mean Neuralink is launching a product immediately, it does confirm that the company is preparing for commercialization. The intent-to-use status of the filing shows that Neuralink is not just developing this technology as a concept - it intends to legally protect it as a part of the brand’s intellectual property assets and offer it to the market as a real solution.

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