The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) has resolved its legal battle with Manifold Finance over the eth.link domain name. This 18-month dispute reached its conclusion following a vote by the ENS DAO, the decentralized governing body of the ENS project.
Overwhelming approval (88%) from the DAO community greenlit a $300,000 settlement agreement, allowing ENS to retain ownership of the domain while compensating Manifold Finance. Additionally, 84% of voters approved reimbursement for ENS’s legal expenses, totaling $750,000.
The dispute originated in July 2022 when the eth.link domain, crucial for bridging traditional web browsers with ENS domains, expired. The original owner, Virgil Griffith, was unable to renew it due to legal issues. Manifold subsequently acquired the domain via auction, prompting legal action from ENS.
After months of litigation, a July 2023 court ruling favored ENS, allowing them to regain control of eth.link. This paved the way for the recent settlement, officially concluding the dispute.
Beyond the resolution, the case raises broader concerns. ENS founder Nick Johnson expresses unease over Unstoppable Domains’ patent applications for related technologies. He argues these patents may conflict with the open-source ethos of the blockchain domain space.
This story highlights the complexities of intellectual property and governance in the evolving world of blockchain technology. As these technologies and their applications continue to grow, navigating legal and ethical considerations will remain crucial for the future of the decentralized web.
