American Express Files NFT & Metaverse Trademark Applications ‍

American Express, the world's second-largest payment processor, has applied for seven trademarks related to virtual services and its iconic Centurion logo.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filings dated March 9 hint at how American Express may develop its footprint in the metaverse, a future vision of the Internet that could be more immersive by using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets.

American Express has filed trademark applications on software for credit cards, travel, concierge services, a virtual environment for recreation and entertainment, and an NFT marketplace. Plans to provide wallet services for digital and blockchain assets, a virtual currency exchange, and digitized and utility token trading services are also included in the filings.

While some major banks have been cautious about cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFT), others have embraced blockchain-based technologies.

Last summer, American Express started experimenting in NFTs, offering card members a limited series of 14 NFTs featuring recording artist SZA for $100 each. And just last month, JP Morgan launched Onyx Lounge, a virtual lounge in Decentraland, calling the metaverse a "$1 trillion opportunity."