Nick Johnson, the lead developer of Ethereum Identify Service (ENS), accused Unstoppable Domains of patenting its open-source innovation relating to “Resolving Blockchain Area” in a Nov. 16 open letter posted on social media platform X (previously Twitter).
Johnson asserted that Unstoppable Domains’ patent was solely based mostly on ENS-developed improvements with none distinctive contributions from the rival agency.
Unstoppable Domains ‘anti-open innovation’ actions
Johnson additional defined how Unstoppable Domains’ patenting efforts contradict the rules of open innovation, citing how the rival agency made a current “utility for reserving names akin to a ‘Dawn Part’ that has been frequent to the Area Identify Service (DNS) world for a few years.”
Alternatively, ENS has avoided patenting its improvements regardless of being a chief within the house, saying its works are “below open-source licenses” and “publicly accessible for anybody to implement.”
Johnson emphasised the necessity for Unstoppable Domains to commit legally to donating its first patent below an “unconditional and irrevocable patent pledge,” saying, “Press releases usually are not legally binding.” Failure to do that, Johnson warned that “ENS Labs stands able to problem this patent, which we consider is completely by-product of our innovations; a place we’re in a position and keen to exhibit.”
He concluded that the letter was essential to “emphasize the significance of permissionless innovation and open requirements within the web3 ecosystem and to request [Unstoppable Domains] cooperation in making certain web3 naming continues to be a spot for innovation.”
Unstoppable Domains responds
In response, Matthew Gould, the founding father of Unstoppable Domains, highlighted his agency’s dedication to driving developments in web3 naming requirements. He emphasised the crucial position of collaborative efforts and discussions in navigating the trade’s evolving panorama.
In the meantime, Johnson proposed that Unstoppable Domains ought to prolong the openness of their patent licensing past ENS, citing fashions resembling patent non-aggression pacts utilized by firms like IBM.
Nonetheless, Gould broadened the scope of the dialogue, stating the broader trade implications, noting that the deal with Unstoppable Domains might simply shift to patents or logos from firms in numerous areas later.
Gould reiterated the need for a proactive discussion board for dialogue, inviting ENS to hitch the Web3 Area Alliance to foster an setting conducive to open dialogue and collaboration in shaping the way forward for web3 naming requirements.
