Walmart patents show it’s mulling entering the Metaverse with own NFTs and crypto
The metaverse is potentially a multi-trillion dollar opportunity - eventually - and companies are experimenting and laying their stakes already.
Key takeaways
- When it comes to the next hot new trend the metaverse is it, and everyone it seems want to claim their stake in this new digital wonderland.
- At least three filings made on 30 December with the patent office indicate plans at Walmart to expand into digital assets and virtual experiences.
Cite or link to this article
Griffin, M. (2022) 'Walmart patents show it’s mulling entering the Metaverse with own NFTs and crypto', 311 Institute, 17 January. Available at: https://www.311institute.com/walmart-patents-show-its-mulling-entering-the-metaverse-with-own-nfts-and-crypto/ (Accessed: 1 October 2026).
When it comes to the next hot new trend the metaverse is it, and everyone it seems want to claim their stake in this new digital wonderland. Now, hot on the heels of Facebook, now Meta, Walmart looks like it’s serious about getting into the metaverse as well after it filed three new patents with the US Patent Office for its own cryptocurrency and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
The retail giant would be just the latest corporate player to wade into the emerging industry of virtual experiences and virtual worlds, referred to as the metaverse, which could include everything from offering digital versions of its products in the form of NFTs all the way through to selling virtual, metaverse experiences all, of course, paid for with a Walmart token.
At least three filings made on 30 December with the patent office indicate plans at Walmart to expand into digital assets and virtual experiences.
One trademark filing details the creation of a Walmart virtual currency, in addition to cryptocurrency exchange services using blockchain technology while a separate application to the USPTO describes downloadable software for uses ranging from E-Commerce to Augmented Reality (AR) as well as managing a portfolio of cryptocurrencies. And the third filing details the possibility of a Virtual Reality (VR) game or online retail service featuring a marketplace of digital goods authenticated by NFTs.
These goods could range from home appliances to sporting goods, beauty products, patio furniture, and musical instruments — all listed in the trademark application. And as for when all these new things might emerge, well the company had this to say:
“Walmart is continuously exploring how emerging technologies may shape future shopping experiences,” said a spokesperson, “We don’t have anything further to share today, but it’s worth noting we routinely file trademark applications as part of the innovation process.”
FAQ
Why does this matter?
The metaverse is potentially a multi-trillion dollar opportunity - eventually - and companies are experimenting and laying their stakes already.
About the author
Matthew Griffin Founder, 311 Institute
Matthew Griffin is a multi-award winning Futurist and expert in Disruption and Innovation, Geopolitics, Leadership, and Technology, who NASA have described as a "walking encyclopaedia of the future" and a "futurist Polymath."
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Matthew Griffin is a multi-award winning Futurist and expert in Disruption and Innovation, Geopolitics, Leadership, and Technology, who NASA have described as a "walking encyclopaedia of the future" and a "futurist Polymath." 15-time best selling author of the "Codex of the Future" series, Matthew is the Founder and Futurist in Chief of the 311 Institute, a global Futures and Deep Futures advisory firm working with royal households, world leaders, G7, G20, and G77 governments, NGOs, and multi-national mid and mega cap firms to help them explore, shape, and lead the next 50 years of business and society.
An award-winning YouTube creator with over a million followers, with an unrivalled global reach and impact, Matthew is a highly sought-after international keynote speaker, lecturer, and mentor who collaborates with global leaders through the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to shape pivotal initiatives such as the UN’s AI for Humanity program, the United Nations Conference of the Parties (UN COP), and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
As the former Global Head of Cloud, National Security, and Enterprise Sales for companies including Atos, Dell-EMC, and IBM, Matthew has a proven track record of building multi-billion dollar business units and turning failing divisions into market leaders. His ability to identify, analyse, and communicate the implications of hundreds of emerging technologies and trends is unparalleled, and his insights are trusted by many of the world’s most respected organisations, including ABB, Accenture, Adidas, AON, ARM, BCG, Centrica, Citi, Coca-Cola, Dentons, Deloitte, Dow Jones, EY, Google, KPMG, Lego, Legal & General, LinkedIn, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Qualcomm, RWE, Samsung, Siemens AG and Siemens Energy, T-Mobile, UBS, VISA, Walmart, Workday, Worldpay and many others.
Regularly featured in the global media including the AP, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Discovery, Forbes, Khaleej Times, Telegraph, TIME, ViacomCBS, WIRED, and the WSJ, Matthews mission is to help organisations create a fair and sustainable future whose benefits are shared by everyone irrespective of their ability, background, or circumstances.
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Source: first published by the 311 Institute on 17 January 2022. Cite as: Griffin, M. (2022). Walmart patents show it’s mulling entering the Metaverse with own NFTs and crypto. 311 Institute. https://www.311institute.com/walmart-patents-show-its-mulling-entering-the-metaverse-with-own-nfts-and-crypto/
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