Ethereum’s layer-2 solution, Linea, backed by Consensys, is calling on Matter Labs to withdraw its trademark filing for “ZK.” The filing, intended for use as a ticker for Matter Labs’ upcoming token, has sparked significant controversy within the Ethereum community.
The Controversy
On May 31, Linea took to social media platform X to voice its concerns. The firm argued that using legal frameworks to assert ownership over a branch of cryptography “goes against the principles of Ethereum.” Linea urged Matter Labs to “uphold their mission and withdraw their trademark attempts.”
Community Backlash
Linea’s stance has garnered support from notable industry figures and organizations. StarkWare, another prominent player in the zkEVM space, has also called on Matter Labs to withdraw its trademark application. The opposition includes top crypto executives such as Polygon co-founders Sandeep Nailwal and Brendan Farmer, StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson, and Polyhedra Network co-founder and zkBridge inventor Tiancheng Xie.
The backlash stems from Matter Labs’ attempt to establish exclusive intellectual property rights over “ZK,” a term already used by Polyhedra Network for its token. Polyhedra Network responded by changing its ticker to “ZKJ” and criticized Matter Labs’ move, describing it as “a great job as a robber and a thief, not a blockchain builder.”
Principles of Ethereum
The Ethereum community’s critique emphasizes that the trademark filing could stifle innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving field of Zero-Knowledge (ZK) cryptography. By seeking to control a fundamental term like “ZK,” Matter Labs’ actions are seen as contrary to the decentralized and open-source ethos that underpins Ethereum.
Matter Labs’ Response
In response to the criticism, Matter Labs posted on X, explaining their rationale for the trademark application. The firm stated that the decision was made to “ensure that the term ‘ZK’ can be used freely in the context of ‘ZK Sync’, ‘ZK Stack’, and other related names.” Matter Labs argued that trademarks are the only legal tool available to protect these terms.
Industry Impact
The debate over the “ZK” trademark highlights broader tensions within the blockchain industry. The balance between protecting intellectual property and maintaining an open, collaborative environment is a delicate one. This incident underscores the need for clear guidelines and community consensus on such issues.
As the Ethereum community navigates this controversy, the outcome will likely set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future. The call for Matter Labs to withdraw its “ZK” trademark filing reflects a collective desire to preserve the foundational principles of decentralization and innovation that have driven the growth of blockchain technology.
