Update: Matter Labs Abandons Trademark on “ZK” Term
In a recent announcement, Matter Labs revealed their decision to withdraw their application for trademarking the term “ZK.” This move comes after facing criticism and opposition from various stakeholders in the cryptocurrency community.
Matter Labs’ Trademark Retreat
Matter Labs had initiated the process of trademarking zero-knowledge (ZK) in multiple countries, leading to a clash with Polyhedra Network over the usage of ZK as a ticker symbol. The ensuing dispute attracted significant attention, with Polyhedra Network accusing Matter Labs of bullying and undermining the principles of Web3.
- Matter Labs faced backlash from industry players who argued that their trademarking efforts would have privatized a public resource.
- Following the intensifying criticism, Matter Labs decided to abandon its trademark plans.
- The company acknowledged that the dynamics within the Ethereum ecosystem might not apply universally due to the diverse perspectives and interests of global stakeholders.
Community Support & Recognition
Despite the controversy, Matter Labs expressed gratitude to the zksync community for their overwhelming support during the ordeal. The community’s messages of solidarity reinforced the importance of unity in the cryptocurrency space, reaffirming the values of the cypherpunk movement.
Backlash and Opposition
Key figures in zero-knowledge (ZK) projects, including Shafi Goldwasser, Silvio Micali, Sandeep Nailwal, Brendan Farmer, and Eli Ben-Sasson, united in opposition to Matter Labs’ trademarking endeavor. These industry leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining accessibility to “ZK” for all stakeholders.
- StarkWare, a prominent developer of ZK-proof technology, criticized Matter Labs’ actions as “oppressive.”
- ConsenSys-backed Layer 2 scaling solution Linea also condemned Matter Labs for potentially alienating the community with their trademark pursuit.
- The joint statement from ZK pioneers and industry players underscored the need to uphold the inclusive nature of the cryptocurrency sector.
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