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.

Michael Kondoudis is a Washington DC-based trademark lawyer who tracks Metaverse and NFT trademark filings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Mr. Kondoudis does not represent Inspire Brands.

Mr. Kondoudis stated:

“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.”

It’s worth noting that Inspire Brands, Inc., owner of the Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John’s, and Sonic trademarks, has recently submitted a number of trademark applications as well.

Meanwhile, just last week, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta (NASDAQ: FB), formerly known as Facebook, announced it intends to expand into the metaverse, making steps toward introducing virtual services and crypto trading.

But Meta is just one of a slew of organizations, brands, celebrities, and even sports teams who are taking an interest in the metaverse and growing it through their trademark applications.

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