25.07.2025 02:08

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has unexpectedly revived a major legal battle surrounding Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs. This significant development overturns a lower court's dismissal of Yuga Labs' lawsuit against artist Ryder Ripps, reigniting a contentious dispute over alleged NFT infringement.

A previous ruling had sided with Ripps, effectively ending Yuga Labs' legal action. However, the appeals court's intervention has now invalidated that decision, sending the case back to the lower court for further proceedings. This unexpected reversal throws the outcome of the case wide open, setting the stage for a renewed legal showdown.

This legal challenge centers on accusations of copyright and trademark infringement leveled by Yuga Labs against Ripps, who allegedly created and sold counterfeit BAYC NFTs. The appeals court's action underscores the ongoing complexities and uncertainties surrounding intellectual property rights in the rapidly evolving NFT marketplace. The legal battle's resurgence promises further examination of these crucial issues.

The implications of this decision extend far beyond Yuga Labs and Ripps. The outcome will significantly shape the legal landscape for NFT creators and the broader NFT market, impacting how copyright and trademark law are applied within this innovative digital realm. Observers and industry experts eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this high-stakes legal drama, which will undoubtedly set important precedents for future NFT disputes sourced from internet resources.