Polymarket Files for 'POLY' Trademark, Signals Possible Token Launch and Airdrop

Blockratize Inc., the parent company of the decentralized prediction market platform Polymarket, filed trademark applications for 'POLY' and '$POLY' with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Feb. 4, 2026 according to filings. This move is seen as a clear signal that the company is preparing for a potential token launch and airdrop. The trademark applications cover services related to cryptocurrency, financial trading, and blockchain-based payment systems as reported.

The filings align with previous statements from Polymarket leadership. In October 2025, CMO Matthew Modabber confirmed the company's plans to launch a native token and conduct an airdrop, emphasizing the need to first reestablish a presence in the U.S. market according to leadership statements. The timing of the trademark filing has heightened expectations among users and investors who have been trading heavily on the platform in hopes of qualifying for the airdrop as noted.

The potential token and airdrop are expected to draw comparisons with similar distributions in the industry. Polymarket's CMO referenced the success of Hyperliquid's airdrop, where some traders received millions of dollars in tokens based on their platform usage according to reports. This precedent suggests a model where active participants are rewarded based on volume and engagement.

Why the Move Happened

The trademark filing is a formal step toward the token's commercial use. It covers classes such as downloadable software for financial and cryptocurrency trading, digital token services, and platform-as-a-service offerings for electronic trading and clearing as detailed. These filings indicate a strategic move to build a foundation for the token's launch while protecting intellectual property according to analysis.

The move also reflects Polymarket's broader ambitions. The company has grown rapidly in the prediction market space and has secured a $2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange, the parent of the New York Stock Exchange, in October 2025 as reported. This funding and strategic partnerships highlight its intent to expand its influence in both crypto and traditional financial markets.

How Markets Responded

Speculation around the potential token and airdrop has already influenced market behavior. Traders have been increasing activity on the platform, with some believing that volume will be a key factor in determining eligibility for the airdrop according to market analysis. This behavior has driven liquidity and raised platform volumes to record levels.

However, the regulatory environment remains a challenge. In January 2022, Polymarket paid a $1.4 million settlement to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and halted U.S. operations after being found to have operated an unregistered derivatives exchange as documented. Recently, the platform also faced a nationwide class action lawsuit alleging it operates an illegal gambling platform according to reports.

What Analysts Are Watching

Analysts are closely watching how the U.S. regulatory landscape will impact the token's launch. Any distribution to U.S. users could raise securities law concerns, especially given the pending legal actions according to legal analysis. The company must navigate these challenges while ensuring compliance with federal and state laws.

The regulatory uncertainty is also reflected in broader market trends. Prediction markets have experienced rapid growth, with Polymarket being one of the most active platforms globally as noted. However, the recent enforcement actions in the U.S. and abroad suggest that the industry could face stricter rules in the near future according to industry reports.

Investors are also watching how the token might integrate with Polymarket's recent strategic moves. In November 2025, the company secured approval from the CFTC to operate in the U.S. market after four years of absence as reported. This reentry is seen as a critical step toward stabilizing its operations before launching the token.

The trademark filings and associated speculation indicate that Polymarket is positioning itself for a major milestone in its development. However, the success of the token launch will depend on both market adoption and regulatory clarity according to market observers.