BAYC COPYCAT FILES OPPOSITION TO 10 YUGA LABS TRADEMARK APPLICATIONS

Last updated: June 20, 2025, 00:12 | Written by: Cathie Wood

The ongoing saga between Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) creators, Yuga Labs, and the RR/BAYC collective takes another unexpected turn.Jeremy Cahen, one of the founders behind the Bored Ape Yacht Club copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC, has officially filed an opposition notice against 10 trademark applications submitted by Yuga Labs.This move, submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board on February 9th, adds yet another layer to the already complex intellectual property dispute. [ad_1]One of the founders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC has filed an opposition notice against 10 trademark applications from Yuga Labs.The move marks another strange twist in the ongoing intellectual property diThe core issue stems from Yuga Labs’ lawsuit against Ryder Ripps and Jeremy Cahen in June 2025, accusing them of infringing on BAYC imagery through the RR/BAYC project.Yuga Labs alleged that the duo intentionally trolled the company and misled consumers into purchasing what they claimed were fraudulent or ""copycat"" NFTs. One of the founders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC has filed an opposition notice against 10 trademark applications from Yuga Labs.But, with the trademark applications' opposition, is Cahen really trying to “cause unnecessary trouble” as suggested by a Yuga Labs spokesperson, or is there a bigger question in play?How will this impact the future of digital art, copyright, and trademark laws in the NFT space? A Yuga Labs spokesperson has played down the significance of the opposition notice and suggested that the RR/BAYC co-founder is BAYC copycat files opposition to 10 Yuga Labs trademark applications - XBT.MarketThis article breaks down the details of this latest development, exploring the implications for both parties involved and the broader NFT community. One of the founders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC has filed an opposition notice against 10 trademark applications from Yuga Labs. The move marks another strange twist in the ongoing intellectual property dispute between BAYC creators Yuga Labs and RR/BAYC founders Ryder Ripps and Jeremy Cahen.Is this a David versus Goliath battle, or a more nuanced debate about intellectual property in the decentralized world?

Understanding the Trademark Dispute Between Yuga Labs and RR/BAYC

The conflict between Yuga Labs and RR/BAYC is not just a simple case of copyright infringement; it's a complex legal battle centered around intellectual property, trademark law, and the rapidly evolving world of NFTs. One of the founders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC has filed an opposition notice against 10 trademark applications from Yuga Labs.The move marks another strange twist in the ongoing intellectual property dispute between BAYC creators Yuga Labs and RR/BAYC founders Ryder Ripps and Jeremy Cahen.To truly grasp the significance of this latest opposition, it's essential to understand the background of the dispute.

The Origin of the Conflict: Yuga Labs' Lawsuit

In June 2025, Yuga Labs initiated legal action against Ryder Ripps and Jeremy Cahen, the creators of the RR/BAYC collection. BAYC creators Yuga Labs sued digital artists Ryder Ripps and Cahen back in June 2025 for using BAYC imagery in the RR/BAYC collection. The firm also alleged that the duo was intentionally trolling Yuga Labs and scamming consumers into purchasing their copycat NFTs.The lawsuit centered on the following key allegations:

Copyright Infringement: Yuga Labs claimed that RR/BAYC used BAYC imagery without authorization, infringing on their copyright.
Trademark Infringement: They argued that RR/BAYC’s use of similar branding and imagery created confusion in the market, leading consumers to believe that RR/BAYC was affiliated with or endorsed by Yuga Labs.
False Advertising: Yuga Labs accused RR/BAYC of intentionally misleading consumers into purchasing their NFTs by falsely associating them with the BAYC brand.
Cybersquatting: Yuga Labs claimed the RR/BAYC team cybersquatted domain names relating to BAYC.

Yuga Labs sought damages, injunctive relief (to prevent RR/BAYC from continuing their activities), and the transfer of the RR/BAYC smart contracts and website.

The RR/BAYC Perspective: Fair Use and Satire?

Ryder Ripps and Jeremy Cahen have consistently defended their project as a form of artistic expression and social commentary.They argue that RR/BAYC is a form of satire, and therefore, falls under the umbrella of ""fair use."" Their central arguments include:

Satirical Intent: They claim that RR/BAYC is intended to critique the BAYC project, its community, and the broader NFT market.
Transformative Use: They argue that RR/BAYC transforms the original BAYC imagery by adding layers of irony and commentary.
Public Interest: They assert that RR/BAYC serves the public interest by raising questions about the value, ethics, and social impact of NFTs.

It's important to note that the ""fair use"" defense is a complex legal concept with varying interpretations.Courts consider several factors when determining whether a use is ""fair,"" including the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of the portion used, and the effect of the use on the market for the copyrighted work.

The Significance of the Opposition Notice to Trademark Applications

The opposition notice filed by Jeremy Cahen against Yuga Labs’ 10 trademark applications is a critical development in this ongoing legal battle. One of the founders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC has filed an opposition notice against 10 trademark applications fromTrademark applications are public record and the opposition process is a common stage in the application.It could potentially stall or even prevent Yuga Labs from securing federal trademark protection for various aspects of the BAYC brand.

What are Trademark Applications and Why are they Important?

A trademark is a symbol, design, or phrase legally registered to represent a company or product. One of the founders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC has filed an opposition notice against 10 trademark applications from Yuga Labs. The move marks anotherIt provides exclusive rights to use the mark in connection with the specified goods or services.

Trademark applications are important for several reasons:

Brand Protection: Trademarks protect a company's brand identity and prevent others from using confusingly similar marks.
Legal Rights: Trademark registration grants the owner the exclusive right to use the mark in commerce, allowing them to take legal action against infringers.
Business Value: Trademarks can be valuable assets that increase the worth of a business.
Consumer Trust: Trademarks help consumers identify and trust specific brands, ensuring they are purchasing authentic products or services.

How the Opposition Process Works

When a company files a trademark application with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office), it goes through a process that includes a period for opposition.During this period, any party who believes they would be damaged by the registration of the mark can file an opposition. A Yuga Labs spokesperson has played down the significance of the opposition notice and suggested that the RR/BAYC co-founder is just trying to cause trouble. One of the founders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC has filed an opposition notice against 10 trademark applications from Yuga Labs.This opposition is a formal legal proceeding before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).

Filing the Notice of Opposition: The opposing party (in this case, Jeremy Cahen) files a notice of opposition with the TTAB, stating the reasons why the trademark application should be denied.
Yuga Labs' Response: Yuga Labs, the applicant, then has an opportunity to respond to the opposition, defending their application.
Discovery and Evidence: Both sides engage in discovery, exchanging information and evidence to support their respective positions.
Trial: A trial is conducted before the TTAB, where both sides present their arguments and evidence.
Decision: The TTAB issues a decision, either sustaining the opposition (denying the trademark application) or dismissing the opposition (allowing the trademark application to proceed).

Potential Outcomes and Implications

The outcome of the opposition proceeding could have significant implications for both Yuga Labs and RR/BAYC.

If the opposition is successful: Yuga Labs may be unable to secure trademark protection for the contested aspects of the BAYC brand, potentially weakening their ability to pursue future infringement claims against RR/BAYC or others. Despite the objections, Yuga Labs expects the 10 trademark applications to be approved. An objection notice was filed against Yuga Labs' 10 trademark registrations by one of the original creators of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) imitation NFT collection, RR/BAYC.This outcome could strengthen RR/BAYC's defense of ""fair use"" and open the door for more derivative works or parodies of BAYC.
If the opposition is unsuccessful: Yuga Labs would be able to move forward with their trademark applications, strengthening their legal position and making it more difficult for RR/BAYC to continue using similar imagery or branding. One of the founders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club's copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC has filed a notice of opposition to 10 trademark applications from Yuga Labs. T LatestThis could potentially lead to further legal action against RR/BAYC and the removal of their NFTs from marketplaces.

Jeremy Cahen's Motivation: Beyond ""Causing Trouble""?

While a Yuga Labs spokesperson has downplayed the significance of the opposition, suggesting that Jeremy Cahen is simply trying to cause trouble, it's essential to consider other potential motivations behind this move.

Protecting Freedom of Expression and Artistic Commentary

One possible motivation is to protect the freedom of expression and the right to create artistic commentary. Altszn.com provides the latest news, resources and insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, DeFi, Web3, NFTs and other cryptocurrency markets.Jeremy Cahen may believe that Yuga Labs’ trademark applications are overly broad and could stifle legitimate forms of satire and critique within the NFT space.By opposing these applications, he may be attempting to set a precedent that allows for more artistic freedom and protects derivative works.

Challenging the Scope of Intellectual Property in the NFT World

Another potential motivation is to challenge the scope of intellectual property rights in the context of NFTs. The step was taken as yet another twist in the current intellectual property dispute between BAYC creators Yuga Labs and RR/BAYC founders Jeremy Cahen. The opposition notice was filed to the US Patent and Trademark Office s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board on February 9.The NFT space is still relatively new, and the legal landscape is constantly evolving. [ad_1]One of the founders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC has filed an opposition notice against 10 trademark applications from Yuga Labs.The move marks another strange twist in the ongoing intellectual property dispute bThere are many unanswered questions about the extent to which traditional copyright and trademark laws apply to NFTs.

Cahen may be using this opposition as an opportunity to raise awareness about these issues and push for a more balanced approach to intellectual property in the NFT world. According to new reports, one of the founders of the BAYC copycat has filed an opposition to 10 Yuga Labs trademark applications. A Yuga Lab spokesperson has played down the significance of the opposition notice and suggested that the co-founder of BAYC is just trying to cause them unnecessary trouble. Cahen filed the opposition notice to USPTO.He may argue that overly broad trademark protections could stifle innovation and creativity in the space.

Leveraging the Opposition in the Broader Legal Battle

Finally, it's possible that Jeremy Cahen is using the opposition strategically to gain leverage in the broader legal battle with Yuga Labs.By challenging their trademark applications, he may be hoping to weaken their legal position and force them to negotiate a settlement. One of the founders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC has filed an opposition notice against 10 trademark applications from Yuga Labs. The move marks another strange twist in the ongoing intellectual property dispute between BAYC creators Yuga Labs and RR/BAYC founders Ryder Ripps and Jeremy Cahen.The opposition could also provide him with additional evidence and arguments to support his defense of ""fair use.""

The Broader Implications for the NFT Community

The dispute between Yuga Labs and RR/BAYC has far-reaching implications for the entire NFT community.It raises fundamental questions about copyright, trademark, fair use, and the role of satire in the digital age.

Defining the Boundaries of Copyright and Trademark in the NFT Space

One of the key issues at stake is defining the boundaries of copyright and trademark protection in the NFT space. A Yuga Labs spokesperson has played down the significance of the opposition notice and suggested that the RR/BAYC co-founder is just trying to cause trouble. One of the founders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club copycat NFT collection RR/BAYC has filed an opposition notice against 10 trademark applications from Yuga Labs. The move marks another [ ]How much protection should be afforded to creators of NFTs?What constitutes infringement?What is the role of fair use and satire?

These are complex questions that have no easy answers.The courts will need to grapple with these issues as the NFT space continues to evolve.The outcome of the Yuga Labs v.RR/BAYC case could set important precedents that shape the future of intellectual property in the NFT world.

The Impact on Derivative Works and Creative Expression

The outcome of this dispute could also have a significant impact on derivative works and creative expression in the NFT space.If Yuga Labs is successful in asserting broad trademark rights, it could chill the creation of derivative works and limit artistic freedom.On the other hand, if RR/BAYC is successful in defending their project as fair use, it could encourage more derivative works and foster a more vibrant and creative NFT ecosystem.

The Future of NFT Regulation and Intellectual Property Law

Ultimately, the Yuga Labs v.RR/BAYC case could influence the future of NFT regulation and intellectual property law.As the NFT space continues to grow, regulators and lawmakers will need to develop clear rules and guidelines that balance the interests of creators, consumers, and the public.The outcome of this case could inform these efforts and help shape the legal landscape for NFTs.

Navigating the Complexities of NFT Intellectual Property

For artists, creators, and collectors in the NFT space, it's crucial to understand the complexities of intellectual property law.Here are some actionable tips to help you navigate this evolving landscape:

Research Trademark and Copyright: Before creating or selling NFTs, research existing trademarks and copyrights that might be relevant to your work.
Consult with Legal Counsel: If you have any concerns about intellectual property issues, consult with an attorney specializing in NFT law.
Use Disclaimers: When creating derivative works or parodies, consider using disclaimers to make it clear that your work is not affiliated with the original creators.
Understand Fair Use: Familiarize yourself with the principles of fair use and how they apply to NFTs.
Be Mindful of Community Standards: Respect community standards and avoid creating NFTs that are likely to infringe on the rights of others.

FAQ: Common Questions About NFT Intellectual Property

What is the difference between copyright and trademark?

Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as artwork, music, and writing. Trademark protects brands, logos, and other symbols that identify a company or product.

Can I create an NFT of someone else's artwork?

Generally, you cannot create an NFT of someone else's artwork without their permission.Doing so could infringe on their copyright.However, there may be exceptions for fair use or if the artwork is in the public domain.

What is ""fair use"" in the context of NFTs?

Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, parody, or education.Whether a particular use is ""fair"" depends on several factors, including the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of the portion used, and the effect of the use on the market for the copyrighted work.

How can I protect my own NFTs from being copied?

You can protect your NFTs by registering your copyright and trademark, using watermarks or digital signatures, and monitoring online marketplaces for infringement.It's also important to clearly state your terms of use and licensing agreements.

What happens if I infringe on someone else's copyright with my NFT?

If you infringe on someone else's copyright with your NFT, you could be subject to legal action, including lawsuits for damages and injunctions to stop you from selling or distributing the NFT.You may also be required to pay the other party's legal fees.

Conclusion: A Crossroads for NFTs and Intellectual Property

The BAYC copycat files opposition to 10 Yuga Labs trademark applications storyline is more than just a feud between two entities; it's a reflection of the broader tensions surrounding intellectual property in the burgeoning NFT space.The outcome of this dispute, and others like it, will have a profound impact on the future of digital art, copyright law, and the creative economy.As the NFT landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial for artists, creators, collectors, and policymakers to engage in thoughtful discussions about how to balance the rights of creators with the need for innovation and artistic freedom.The challenges are significant, but the potential rewards – a vibrant, creative, and legally sound NFT ecosystem – are well worth the effort.While the Yuga Labs spokesperson suggests this is merely an attempt to ""cause trouble"", the bigger picture is a fundamental questioning of the scope of copyright in the Web3 space.Is this the beginning of a long, drawn-out legal battle, or will it pave the way for a more balanced approach to intellectual property in the NFT realm?Only time will tell.