The session is a comprehensive keynote by Eric Guthrie, an attorney and author, focusing on the critical importance of intellectual property (IP) protection in the blockchain and NFT space. Guthrie emphasizes that while digital assets like NFTs are secured on the blockchain, they lack protection off-chain unless supported by traditional IP rights such as copyrights and trademarks. He shares practical client stories illustrating the risks of neglecting IP protection, including costly litigation and brand infringement. The talk breaks down copyright—highlighting its accessibility and ease of filing—and trademark law, explaining when and how trademarks apply, especially for logos and trade names. Guthrie also advises on conducting trademark searches to avoid costly rebranding, securing domain names and social media handles early, and navigating the nuances of IP applications. The session includes an interactive Q&A, covering trademark timelines, international protections, and emerging issues around AI-generated art and music sampling in NFTs. Overall, the video underscores that proactive IP strategies are vital for protecting digital assets, building brands, and ensuring legal recourse in the evolving blockchain ecosystem.
