Crypto Open Patent Alliance v Wright [2025] EWHC 1139 (Ch) (12 May 2025)

Crypto Open Patent Alliance v Wright [2025] EWHC 1139 (Ch) (12 May 2025)

Dr Wright has persistently issued numerous claims and applications that are totally without merit, including in multiple jurisdictions and against numerous parties, often supported by dishonest evidence and for improper purposes. There is a significant and ongoing risk of further abusive litigation unless...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2025] EWHC 1139 (Ch)
Parties
Claimant: Crypto Open Patent Alliance; Defendant: Dr. Craig Steven Wright; Claimant: Craig Steven Wright; Eighteenth Defendant: SquareUp Europe Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
12 May 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil (intellectual Property, Vexatious Litigation) / Application for General Civil Restraint Order (gcro), Referral to Attorney General, and Costs Determination
Outcome
General Civil Restraint Order granted for three years against Dr Wright; referral to Attorney General; costs awarded to applicants.
Legal Topics
Civil Restraint Orders, Abuse of Process, Contempt of Court, Costs, Anti Suit Injunctions
Civil Procedure Intellectual Property Vexatious Litigation Civil Restraint Orders Abuse of Process Contempt of Court Costs Anti Suit Injunctions

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Parties

Crypto Open Patent Alliance

Claimant

Dr. Craig Steven Wright

Defendant

Craig Steven Wright

Claimant

SquareUp Europe Limited

Eighteenth Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil (intellectual Property, Vexatious Litigation) / Application for General Civil Restraint Order (gcro), Referral to Attorney General, and Costs Determination

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Dr Wright has persistently issued claims or applications that are totally without merit (TWM)
  2. 2 Whether there is a significant risk of further abusive litigation by Dr Wright unless restrained
  3. 3 Whether a General Civil Restraint Order (GCRO) is just and proportionate in the circumstances

Ratio Decidendi

Dr Wright has persistently issued numerous claims and applications that are totally without merit, including in multiple jurisdictions and against numerous parties, often supported by dishonest evidence and for improper purposes. There is a significant and ongoing risk of further abusive litigation unless restrained. A General Civil Restraint Order for three years is necessary, just, and proportionate to protect the court system and potential defendants from further vexatious conduct. Injunctive relief alone is insufficient; only a GCRO provides adequate protection.

Court Disposition

General Civil Restraint Order granted for three years against Dr Wright; referral to Attorney General; costs awarded to applicants.

Orders

  • A General Civil Restraint Order (GCRO) is imposed on Dr Wright for three years, restraining him from issuing any claim or application in the High Court or County Court without permission of a judge.
  • The matter is referred to the Attorney General for consideration of a civil proceedings order under s.42(1) of the Senior Courts Act 1981.