What Are NFTs and Are NFTs Goods Under Trademark Law? A Key Ruling from the U.S. Ninth Circuit
New technologies frequently challenge existing legal frameworks, and few innovations have sparked more legal debate than those related to blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Two of the most common legal and commercial questions are: What are NFTs? and Are NFTs considered goods under trademark law?
In its landmark decision in Yuga Labs, Inc. v. Ripps, No. 24-879 (9th Cir. July 23, 2025), the U.S. Ninth Circuit directly addressed both questions. The Court provided a comprehensive explanation of what NFTs are and held that NFTs can be considered “goods” under the U.S.…