Crypto Open Patent Alliance v Dr Craig Steven Wright

Crypto Open Patent Alliance v Dr Craig Steven Wright

Dr Wright knowingly and deliberately breached clear and unambiguous terms of the Order by commencing and threatening proceedings asserting ownership of goodwill in 'Bitcoin', database rights in the Bitcoin Blockchain, and copyright in the Bitcoin White Paper and software, and by asserting he is Satoshi Nakamoto or responsible for acts done by Satoshi. His reliance on promissory estoppel and extended passing off did not avoid the prohibitions. Each ground of contempt was proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Parties
Claimant: Crypto Open Patent Alliance; Defendant: Dr. Craig Steven Wright
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
19 December 2024
Procedural Posture
Contempt Application (civil) / Judgment on Liability for Contempt
Outcome
All five grounds of contempt proved against Dr Wright beyond reasonable doubt.
Legal Topics
Contempt of Court, Injunctions, Passing Off, Copyright, Database Rights, Promissory Estoppel
Civil Procedure Intellectual Property Contempt of Court Injunctions Passing Off Copyright Database Rights Promissory Estoppel

Case Brief

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Parties

Crypto Open Patent Alliance

Claimant

Dr. Craig Steven Wright

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Contempt Application (civil) / Judgment on Liability for Contempt

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Dr Wright is in contempt of court for breaching the Order dated 16 July 2024 by threatening and commencing proceedings prohibited by the Order
  2. 2 Whether the New Claim issued by Dr Wright constitutes 'Precluded Proceedings' under the Order
  3. 3 Whether Dr Wright made threats to bring Precluded Proceedings in breach of the Order

Ratio Decidendi

Dr Wright knowingly and deliberately breached clear and unambiguous terms of the Order by commencing and threatening proceedings asserting ownership of goodwill in 'Bitcoin', database rights in the Bitcoin Blockchain, and copyright in the Bitcoin White Paper and software, and by asserting he is Satoshi Nakamoto or responsible for acts done by Satoshi. His reliance on promissory estoppel and extended passing off did not avoid the prohibitions. Each ground of contempt was proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Court Disposition

All five grounds of contempt proved against Dr Wright beyond reasonable doubt.

Orders

  • Dr Wright found liable for contempt of court on all five grounds alleged by COPA.