As a crypto investor and long-term supporter of Ethereum and its ecosystem, I strongly condemn Matter Labs’ actions regarding their attempts to trademark the term “zero-knowledge” (ZK). This foundational cryptographic concept is crucial for privacy and security in blockchain technology, enabling individuals to prove claims without revealing underlying data.
The ConsenSys-supported Layer 2 network, Linea, has joined forces with StarkWare in opposing Matter Labs’ efforts to claim trademark rights for the term “zero-knowledge” (ZK) in nine different countries.
As a researcher studying the latest developments in the cryptocurrency industry, I’ve come across an intriguing situation with Matter Labs and their project zkSync. This entity asserts its intention to take exclusive ownership of the foundational cryptographic concept that underpins this technology, which has stirred up significant controversy within the industry. Furthermore, they have attempted to register a token under the ticker symbol “ZK” with various exchanges to strengthen their control over the technology they did not originally create.
Linea Backs StarkWare: Condemns Matter Labs’ Move
As a crypto investor, I firmly believe that zero-knowledge (ZK) technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring both privacy and security within the realm of blockchain. With ZK tech, I can validate claims without exposing the sensitive underlying data – keeping my information secure while maintaining transparency in transactions.
StarkWare, joined by renowned figures such as Shafi Goldwasser, a Turing Award winner and a member of StarkWare’s Scientific Advisory Board, criticized Matter Labs for attempting to commercialize a communal asset in their public declaration.
A corporation taking advantage of legal loopholes to claim ownership over a communal resource contradicts the core values of cryptocurrency, Ethereum, and academic communities. This action is also inconsistent with Matter Labs’ stated ethos: “We can improve the world by enhancing individual freedoms.” If this corporation proceeds with its plans, it risks distancing itself from the community it aims to be a part of.
StarkWare, a software company specializing in Zero-Knowledge proof technology, called on the community to intervene against Matter Labs. Simultaneously, they pointed out the irony of Matter Labs’ actions, as StarkWare’s core values promote united action against oppressive behavior.
Considering the issue at hand, Linea argued against establishing a monopoly over a crucial aspect of cryptography for constructing permissionless and decentralized L2 execution layers using legal means. This stance goes against Ethereum’s founding principles.
Linea emphasized Ethereum’s teamwork in developing scalability solutions, such as zkEVM Layer 2 networks, where researchers participate. However, attempting to assert control over Zero-Knowledge (ZK) technology obstructs the path towards a more diverse and uncensored network, according to Linea’s remarks on May 31st.
Matter Labs Addresses Controversy
As a crypto investor, I’d rephrase it this way: Matter Labs acknowledged the uproar surrounding their trademark applications and made it clear that they believe ZK technology is communal property. Their intention behind securing these trademarks was to safeguard terms like “ZK Sync” and “ZK Stack” for their specific projects, ensuring that the broader crypto community can continue using the term “ZK” freely in relation to other initiatives.
The business clarified that trademark protection doesn’t automatically mean absolute control over a term or expression. Instead, it only grants exclusivity for using that term in connection with particular products or services.
Rebecca Rettig, Polygon Labs’ Chief Legal and Policy Officer, countered Matter Labs’ inquiry about the need for their trademark applications by advocating for transparency if external pressures necessitated such actions. She further expressed her belief that the term “zk” should be accessible to all without requiring permission.
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2024-05-31 23:38