Ethereum Title Service decries Unstoppable Domains patent as a menace to open-source ethos

Nick Johnson, the lead developer of Ethereum Title Service (ENS), accused Unstoppable Domains of patenting its open-source innovation concerning “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 ideas of open innovation, citing how the rival agency made a current “utility for reserving names akin to a ‘Dawn Part’ that has been widespread to the Area Title Service (DNS) world for a few years.”

However, ENS has shunned patenting its improvements regardless of being a pacesetter within the area, saying its works are “beneath open-source licenses” and “publicly obtainable for anybody to implement.”

Johnson emphasised the necessity for Unstoppable Domains to commit legally to donating its first patent beneath an “unconditional and irrevocable patent pledge,” saying, “Press releases aren’t legally binding.” Failure to do that, Johnson warned that “ENS Labs stands able to problem this patent, which we imagine is solely by-product of our innovations; a place we’re ready and prepared to show.”

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 important function of collaborative efforts and discussions in navigating the business’s evolving panorama.

In the meantime, Johnson proposed that Unstoppable Domains ought to prolong the openness of their patent licensing past ENS, citing fashions corresponding to patent non-aggression pacts utilized by firms like IBM.

Nevertheless, Gould broadened the scope of the dialogue, declaring the broader business implications, noting that the give attention to Unstoppable Domains might simply shift to patents or logos from firms in several areas later.

Gould reiterated the need for a proactive discussion board for dialogue, inviting ENS to affix the Web3 Area Alliance to foster an surroundings conducive to open dialogue and collaboration in shaping the way forward for web3 naming requirements.