Yuga Labs v. Ripps (Yuga Labs Trademark Infringement)

Yuga Labs sues Ripps and Cahen for allegedly copying and reselling images that are part of the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection and selling them on the same platforms as Yuga Labs. The court finds that the defendant's collection is not considered artistic expression protected by the First Amendment. The defendants intentionally sought to create consumer confusion with their look-alike NFTs and are therefore liable for trademark infringement.

This case establishes important trademark rights for NFT companies and artists, demonstrating that NFTs can be more than just digital certifications—they can also be considered virtual goods in their own right.

2:22-cv-04355