Western Union Files WUUSD Trademark for Crypto Wallet and Trading Services

TLDR

• Western Union filed a trademark for “WUUSD” with the US Patent and Trademark Office covering crypto wallet, trading, and lending services
• The company announced plans to launch its US Dollar Payment Token (USDPT) stablecoin on Solana blockchain in the first half of 2026
• Western Union will partner with Anchorage Digital Bank to create a Digital Asset Network serving as a cash off-ramp for the stablecoin
• The trademark filing suggests services beyond typical money transfers, including crypto exchange, payment processing, and financial brokerage for cryptocurrency trading
• Western Union joins other payment companies like MoneyGram, PayPal, and Stripe in adopting stablecoin technology following the GENIUS Act passed in July

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Western Union Holdings, Inc. filed a trademark application for “WUUSD” with the US Patent and Trademark Office on Wednesday. The filing covers multiple cryptocurrency services including wallet functionality, trading platforms, and payment processing. The trademark has been accepted by the agency but awaits assignment to an examiner.

The filing comes one day after Western Union announced details about its upcoming stablecoin launch. The company revealed on Tuesday that it will launch the US Dollar Payment Token (USDPT) on the Solana blockchain during the first half of 2026. The announcement builds on information first shared during an investor call on Oct. 23.

Western Union plans to partner with Anchorage Digital Bank for the stablecoin project. The partnership includes creating a Digital Asset Network that will function as a cash off-ramp for the stablecoin service. This infrastructure aims to serve Western Union’s network of 100 million users.

The WUUSD trademark filing outlines potential uses for stablecoin exchange and trading services. The application also mentions “stablecoin payment processing” as a covered service. Western Union filed an identical trademark application for USDPT in early October, though the relationship between the two trademarks remains unclear.

Expanded Crypto Service Offerings

The trademark application describes software capabilities for managing and verifying crypto transactions. It also covers software designed for spending and trading cryptocurrency. These features suggest Western Union may offer services beyond its traditional money transfer business.

The filing lists crypto exchange, trading, and payment processing services. It also includes “financial brokerage services for cryptocurrency trading.” The document mentions crypto lending services, described as “conducting a securities and derivatives exchange.”

Western Union did not respond to requests for comment about the trademark filing. The company has not clarified the differences between WUUSD and USDPT. Both trademark applications cover similar service categories.

Industry Context

Anchorage Digital will issue the USDPT token as a federally regulated digital asset bank. The Solana network was selected for the stablecoin due to its low-cost, fast settlement capabilities. CEO Devin McGranahan stated the partnership aims to bring digital dollars to Western Union’s global network.

The stablecoin market has grown to $300 billion in total value. These tokens are pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar. Companies use stablecoins for remittances and cross-border transactions as alternatives to traditional payment rails.

The GENIUS Act passed in July provided regulatory clarity for stablecoin issuers in the United States. This legislation has encouraged payment companies to explore stablecoin offerings. MoneyGram upgraded its application using Circle’s USDC stablecoin and the Stellar blockchain with wallet firm Crossmint.

PayPal’s stablecoin, issued by Paxos, has reached $2.7 billion in value since launching in 2023. Stripe is developing its own stablecoin infrastructure with a payments-focused blockchain. Western Union joins these companies in adopting blockchain technology for payment services.

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