ENS Fights Back Against Unstoppable Domains’ Patent 🚀

ENS Challenges UD’s Blockchain Naming Patent

Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is taking a stand against Unstoppable Domains (UD) by petitioning the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to challenge a blockchain naming patent held by UD. This move comes after UD obtained a patent for technology developed by ENS Labs, which ENS believes is unjust and threatens the open-source nature of the web. The challenge aims to maintain a collaborative space on the internet and ensure that essential web functions remain freely accessible to all users.

ENS Accuses UD of Intellectual Property Theft 🛡️

According to ENS, Unstoppable Domains (UD) registered a patent named “Resolving Blockchain Domains” for technology developed by ENS Labs. ENS views this as intellectual property theft, stating that UD directly leveraged their open-source innovations without permission. ENS insists that this is not flattery but theft and emphasizes the importance of fighting to keep ENS unrestricted for everyone’s benefit. The company asserts that the UD patent puts at risk the decentralized and public nature of ENS, core values that must be preserved for the common good.

UD patented technology developed by ENS Labs without authorization
ENS sees this as a threat to the open-source and decentralized nature of the web
UD rejected requests to address the issue and cooperate with ENS

ENS Stands for Decentralization and Public Benefit

ENS believes in decentralization and public benefit, core principles that they claim UD’s patent threatens to compromise. Despite their contributions being acknowledged in UD’s patent application, ENS remains firm in its stance against the privatization of essential web functions through patents. The company expresses a commitment to fighting to ensure that these core web functions remain free for all users and are not enclosed within patent restrictions.

ENS’s contributions were acknowledged in UD’s patent application
ENS emphasizes the importance of keeping essential web functions open and accessible to all
UD’s refusal to cooperate prompted ENS to take legal action to challenge the patent

UD’s Departure from Communal Ethos of Web3

ENS highlights UD’s pursuit of patents as a significant departure from the communal ethos of web3 and the open internet. They express concern that UD’s move towards privatization contradicts the foundational principles of public accessibility and transparency that define the web3 ecosystem. Additionally, ENS reveals that UD has submitted applications for other patents related to basic technologies, raising further concerns within the community about the potential impact on innovation and collaboration.

UD’s patent pursuits conflict with the communal ethos of web3 and the open internet
ENS raises concerns about UD’s applications for patents on other basic technologies
The community is urged to be aware of the implications of patenting basic tech in the blockchain space

Hot Take: Upholding the Values of Web3 ✊

In the fast-evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency landscape, it is crucial to uphold the values of decentralization, open-source innovation, and public access. The recent dispute between ENS and UD over a blockchain naming patent underscores the challenges faced in maintaining a collaborative and inclusive web environment. As the crypto community navigates these issues, staying true to the ethos of web3 and advocating for transparency and accessibility will be paramount for shaping a sustainable and equitable digital future.