Alleged Bitcoin Creator Makes Settlement Offer Amid Forged Document Claims
Craig Wright, the self-proclaimed inventor of Bitcoin, has publicly proposed a non-negotiable settlement to the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA), Coinbase, Kraken, and the Bitcoin Core developers. This offer comes in the midst of a heated legal battle over the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin. In October 2023, new evidence was presented by Wright to support his claim, but expert witnesses from COPA and Wright’s side concluded that these documents were recent forgeries.
Details of the Alleged Forgeries
Both parties’ forensic experts concluded that the Bitcoin white paper and the “time capsule” file presented by Wright as evidence were manipulated and could not have been created before 2009. The documents showed evidence of editing in 2023, weakening Wright’s assertions.
Settlement Proposal to End Lawsuits
Prior to the trial starting on Feb. 5, 2024, Wright has proposed a settlement that could resolve multiple lawsuits involving COPA, Coinbase, Kraken, and Bitcoin Core. The proposal requires these entities to acknowledge Bitcoin’s original purpose, stop claiming to represent the original Bitcoin, and ensure lawful use of Bitcoin for the benefit of humanity. In return, Wright agrees not to pursue claims related to his database rights and copyrights in BTC, BCH, and ABC blockchains.
Wright’s Priorities and Intentions
In a blog post, Wright expressed his desire to refocus on his family and blockchain technology development. He emphasized his commitment to the original principles of Bitcoin and his goal of fostering a competitive market that respects intellectual property rights. However, the acceptance of the settlement by COPA and other parties appears unlikely at this time.
Hot Take: COPA Rejects the Settlement Offer
COPA has publicly stated its rejection of Wright’s proposed settlement, describing it as inaccurate and containing loopholes that could enable him to sue again in the future. With the potential rejection of the settlement, the trial will proceed, potentially leading to a definitive court ruling on Wright’s claim to be Satoshi Nakamoto.