ENS has initiated legal proceedings against Unstoppable Domains regarding a patent related to blockchain naming. The accusation suggests that UD has patented a technology created by ENS Labs, labeling it as “theft”. ENS has filed a petition with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to question the legitimacy of the patent.

ENS Challenges UD’s Blockchain Naming Patent

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) has lodged a petition with the USPTO to contest a patent on blockchain naming that Unstoppable Domains (UD) holds. ENS, through social media posts, has claimed that UD secured a patent for technology created by ENS Labs, which was open-source. The challenge to the patent has been officially made by ENS, with accusations against UD for exploiting their open-source innovations.

UD Accused of Utilizing ENS’s Open-Source Advancements

UD’s patent, named “Resolving Blockchain Domains,” as stated in the posts, has prompted ENS to accuse UD of patenting their technology by directly utilizing their open-source advancements. ENS has voiced its determination to fight this matter to ensure that ENS technology remains available to all. Despite ENS’s attempts to address the issue with UD, the latter has rejected the requests and shown no willingness to cooperate.

Concerns Regarding UD’s Patent Applications

ENS has raised concerns about UD's pursuit of patents, viewing it as a departure from the inclusive nature of web3 and the open internet. Such privatization contradicts the fundamental principles of accessibility and transparency that have characterized the communal ethos. Additionally, UD’s other patent applications indicating ownership of basic technologies have further fueled apprehensions within the community.

Conclusion

The clash between ENS and UD over a blockchain naming patent underlines the conflict between open-source innovation and intellectual property rights in the cryptocurrency realm. The unfolding legal battle could establish a precedent on how such disagreements are managed in the future, potentially influencing the spirit of cooperation and openness cherished by the crypto community.