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dispute

Xai Sues Elon Musk’s xAI Over Trademark Dispute

by admin August 24, 2025

Ethereum-based gaming network Xai has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI, accusing it of trademark infringement and unfair competition.

The complaint, lodged in the Northern District of California on Thursday, claims Musk’s xAI company has created widespread market confusion, damaging Xai’s brand.

Ex Populus, the Delaware corporation behind Xai, said it has used the XAI trademark in US commerce since June 2023, including through its blockchain gaming ecosystem and the $XAI token. “This is a classic case of trademark infringement that requires the Court’s intervention to remedy,” the filing said.

Ex Populus operates the Xai ecosystem, which includes a blockchain-powered network designed for video gaming and digital transactions, offering infrastructure to support game logic, AI-driven decisions, rewards and data management across multiple applications, per the filing.

Xai sues Musk’s xAI. Source: XAI

Related: Elon Musk’s ‘America Party’ plans have stalled: Report

xAI gaming studio triggers further confusion

The complaint alleges that confusion began after Musk announced his company, xAI, in July 2023 and deepened when he said in November 2024 that xAI planned to launch a gaming studio.

The filing states that “marketplace confusion abounded as to whether Defendants/Musk were associated with, owned, or sponsored Plaintiff’s XAI Trademark or the associated goods and services.” It cited examples of consumers, publications and even Musk’s AI assistant Grok incorrectly linking the two ventures.

Ex Populus argued that the reputational harm goes beyond lost goodwill. The complaint says Xai has faced “significant negative consumer sentiment” due to Musk’s polarizing public image and controversies involving xAI products.

“Plaintiff is not only being irreparably harmed by the loss of control over its hard-earned goodwill in its XAI Trademark… but also Plaintiff is damaged because the confusing association with Elon Musk is resulting in significant negative consumer sentiment,” the filing notes.

Related: xAI blames code for Grok’s anti-Semitic Hitler posts

Musk’s team pressured Xai over trademark rights

The filing accuses Musk’s legal team of trying to pressure Ex Populus into relinquishing rights by threatening cancellation of its registration earlier this month.

The lawsuit also mentioned that the US Patent and Trademark Office has already suspended several of Musk’s xAI trademark applications due to a likelihood of confusion with Xai’s existing mark.

Ex Populus is seeking cancellation of xAI’s pending applications, damages for infringement, and a court order to prevent Musk’s company from using the disputed name in gaming and blockchain contexts. “There is no remedy at law for the sheer magnitude of harm Defendants have caused,” the company told the court.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Crypto Trends

Ethereum Token Platform Zora Sues Deloitte Over AI Trademark Dispute

by admin June 12, 2025

In brief

Zora filed a lawsuit and restraining order seeking to stop Deloitte from using “Zora,” “Zora AI,” or the Zora.ai domain, demanding damages and domain transfer.
Deloitte launched its Zora AI productivity platform in March 2024 after dismissing Zora’s February cease-and-desist letter, arguing their services target different audiences with no consumer confusion risk.
The dispute is particularly contentious because Zora has been a paying client of Deloitte since 2022, with Zora’s lawyers calling it a “blatant disregard of its clients’ basic intellectual rights.”

Ethereum token platform Zora has sued Deloitte to stop it from using the “Zora AI” name for its digital workforce AI platform, claiming trademark infringement.

The company also filed a restraining order, which has yet to be granted, that would bar Deloitte from using “Zora,” “Zora AI,” or the Zora.ai domain until the conclusion of the lawsuit.

The token launchpad is seeking actual and punitive damages, and for Deloitte to cover its attorney fees. It also wants Deloitte to transfer the Zora.ai domain.

Zora gained steam during the NFT bull run of 2021-22, raising $50 million in funding in 2022 that valued the firm at $600 million.

More recently, it has functioned as a social media platform that automatically turns every post into a token on Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network, Base. It sparked a flurry of hype after the creator of Base, Coinbase’s Jesse Pollak, went on a “content coin” campaign.

When it launched in April, the ZORA token briefly climbed as high as $0.03438 on its opening day, but has since slumped to $0.009324—down 73% from peak. The token has seen $21.7 million worth of trading volume in the past day and currently has a market cap of $29 million.

Neither Deloitte nor Zora immediately responded to requests from Decrypt for comment.

A letter sent to Deloitte claims its new AI product “wrongly capitalizes on Zora’s goodwill and reputation,” and “creates a false association between Deloitte and Zora and the ZORA Marks.” Deloitte’s infringements of Zora’s rights must immediately stop, it demands.

Deloitte first started marketing its new AI platform in March, promoting it as a suite of “ready-to-deploy” agents that can augment clients’ workforces. In its press release, the company said Hewlett Packard is already using the tech to analyze its financial statements.

The token launchpad caught wind of the company’s plans and sent a letter asking it to reconsider the name of the product a month before Deloitte started promoting it.

“As you must be aware, Zora is one of the most prominent marketplace platforms in which users can mint, buy, offer for sale, sell, and curate NFTs. Zora provides an innovative AI-driven method, including for consumers to use in creating NFTs and undertaking NFT-related transactions,” the company’s lawyers wrote in a Feb. 14 letter to Deloitte.

The company included a copy of its trademarks, the earliest of which was filed in May 2020. The most recent trademark was granted in March 2025. The trademarks protect the company’s use of “Zora” in relation to downloadable mobile apps or software, cryptocurrency exchange services, and non-downloadable web applications.

Stephen Barrese, a trademark attorney at Dilworth & Barrese, told Decrypt that if Deloitte’s attorneys did a search, they would have seen pending applications for two of Zora’s most recent trademarks.

“Both were filed as ‘intent to use,’ which means that they get a ‘constructive use date’ at the time of filing,” he said, hypothesizing that someone at Deloitte might have missed that detail.

“This explains why Deloitte’s argument is that there’s no way that people would confuse the NFT platform with their digital workforce platform,” Barrese added. “They cannot say that they were unaware of the prior filed applications.”

Sure enough, that’s exactly how Deloitte responded to Zora’s letter a few weeks later.

“We do not believe that you or your client should have any cause for concern,” Deloitte wrote in response. “Our use of ‘Zora AI’ is for different goods and services than those offered by your client, as well as intended for a different audience than your client, such that there would not be any likelihood of consumer confusion.”

A response from Zora in March goes even further, pointing out that Zora has been a client of Deloitte since 2022, and blasts the firm’s “blatant disregard of its clients’ basic intellectual rights.”

The complaint includes an email that notes the token launchpad was being advised by Rob Massey, who’s a tax leader in Deloitte’s blockchain and digital assets practice.

“Rob asked that Zora give him the opportunity to discuss internally and thus hold off on escalating this matter to a court,” Zora attorney Merri Moken wrote in an email last week ahead of the June 9 deadline she’d given Deloitte to respond.

The lawsuit was filed on June 11 in the Southern District of New York and has been assigned to Judge Arun Subramanian.

Edited by Andrew Hayward

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June 12, 2025 0 comments

Crypto Trends

AVAX Surges 6% After Musk/Trump Dispute Sell-Off

by admin June 8, 2025

Crypto markets were shaken on Thursday when U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk engaged in a heated argument on social media over the U.S. national debt, which cumulated in the world’s richest man endorsing Trump’s impeachment and claiming the twice-elected politician was implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Avalanche’s token, AVAX

, was among those hit, dropping to as low as $18.48 from $20.14. It has since rise 6% to $19.65 to reclaim nearly 58% of the losses while forming a promising ascending channel pattern with resistance at $19.76, according to CoinDesk Research’s technical analysis model.

The token has lost 1% over 24 hours, while the CoinDesk 20, an index of the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market cap except for stablecoins, exchange coins and memecoins, has dropped 0.85%.

Recent trading sessions show decisive buying pressure, with notable volume spikes coinciding with price surges that briefly pushed AVAX to a local high of $19.76. Market analysis points to the consistent formation of higher lows over the past 14 hours as evidence of strengthening bullish momentum, with the $20.00 psychological level now within reach if current trajectory holds.

Technical Analysis

• AVAX experienced a sharp 8.14% decline from $20.14 to $18.48, with peak selling pressure when volume surged to 3.65 million.

• Strong support established at $18.48, with price subsequently climbing steadily to $19.65, reclaiming 57.8% of losses.

• An ascending channel pattern has formed with resistance at $19.76.

• Notable high-volume support emerged at $18.48-$18.88.

• Consistent higher lows over the past 14 hours indicate strengthening bullish momentum.

• In the last hour, AVAX continued recovery with a 1.01% gain from $19.49 to $19.69.

• Volume spikes occurred (45,299 and 64,948 units), coinciding with price surges to a local high of $19.76.

• Current price action shows strengthening bullish sentiment with support levels around $19.53-$19.55.

Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk’s full AI Policy.

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June 8, 2025 0 comments

Esports

Bengals’ contract dispute with Trey Hendrickson lingering

by admin May 29, 2025

Ben BabyMay 29, 2025, 06:00 AM ET
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CINCINNATI — The Bengals resolved two major contract situations this offseason, but a significant one lingers as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

After inking wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term contracts, the situation with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson remains unresolved.

The NFL’s sack leader in 2024 has not participated in any voluntary workouts this offseason as he looks to get a new contract. Last season, Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, was named to The Associated Press All-Pro team and reached the Pro Bowl for the fourth straight season.

Bengals reporter Ben Baby and National reporter Jeremy Fowler look at the biggest questions for Hendrickson and the Bengals as Phase 3 of the offseason program heads to mandatory minicamp on June 10.

How did we get here?

This year marks the third straight year Hendrickson has sought some sort of action on his contract. In 2023, he signed a one-year extension that included an $8 million signing bonus. One year later, he wanted to sign a long-term deal but was rebuffed. That prompted a trade request that went unanswered.

This offseason, Hendrickson again requested the opportunity to pursue a trade amid the lack of a deal. But this time, it was granted. Cincinnati allowed Hendrickson to explore the market before free agency and the NFL draft.

According to a source familiar with the proceedings, several teams initially showed interest in signing Hendrickson to a long-term contract if they could successfully trade for him. However, nothing materialized, leading to the prolonged negotiation between both sides. — Baby

Trey Hendrickson led the league in sacks last season, but will he spend some of this season watching from the sideline with a contract dispute? Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

What is the buzz around the league?

Most teams agree the Bengals are in a tough spot because of the market realities of Hendrickson’s value. Four pass rushers earn more than $34 million per year, and Hendrickson’s play as a sack leader suggests he should be in that group with Myles Garrett, Danielle Hunter, Maxx Crosby and Nick Bosa.

Hendrickson not only wants proper market value, but he wants long-term security, which means a one- or two-year deal probably won’t suffice.

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Some around the league believe Cincinnati will figure out a way to keep him.

“I can’t see how they can let a great player go for a draft pick, given the pressure to win now,” an NFC executive said. Trade talks have cooled, with the belief that Cincinnati either didn’t get an offer including a first-round pick or it rebuffed engaging trade offers in March. It feels like this is contract extension or bust, at least right now.

“I still think they can come to a compromise, getting him above that $30-million threshold while covering themselves,” another NFC executive said. “The age [30] is something that must be a factor for them.”

If no deal occurs, I’ve spoken to several people who believe Hendrickson very well might follow through on his promise to miss games or even the season. “He’s extremely dug in,” a source said. — Fowler

How did the market shift in the offseason affect the contract talks?

A couple of deals this offseason have exacerbated the situation between Cincinnati and Hendrickson. When the two sides talked in 2024, at a time Hendrickson believed the Bengals were interested in rewarding a quality season with a new deal, it was hard to predict how the contract value for edge rushers was going to jump.

First, Garrett signed a record-breaking deal worth $40 million annually, ending his own acrimonious standoff with the Cleveland Browns. Then the Houston Texans and Hunter agreed to an extension worth $35.6 million a year. Hunter is 30. His contract features several void years and effectively runs through 2026, but it raised the price point further. And Hendrickson took notice.

“Having that conversation in July of 2024 does not forecast May of 2025,” Hendrickson said. — Baby

Do the Bengals have the cap space?

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The Bengals typically like to reserve enough cap space to get through an entire season, which leads to a more conservative approach compared to other teams around the league.

So while Cincinnati technically has $27.6 million in cap space for 2025, not all of that is immediately available for player acquisition. For example, when Zack Moss went down with a season-ending neck injury last season, Cincinnati was able to acquire running back Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears.

That being said, the Bengals do have the necessary space to account for expenses during the season and a potential Hendrickson extension.

He is set to earn $15.8 million plus $200,000 in bonuses this season. By reworking contracts and finalizing the future of linebacker Germaine Pratt, who represents $5.8 million in cap savings, Cincinnati could construct a deal that can get Hendrickson in the range of $28 million to $30 million annually. — Baby

Which side needs the other more?

By far, it’s the Bengals. Even if Hendrickson gets cut, teams will be champing at the bit to sign someone who has a base salary of $15.8 million for 2025.

To put that in perspective, that’s roughly the same annual salary as the Chicago Bears’ Dayo Odeyingbo (three sacks in 2024).

Last season, Hendrickson accounted for 48% of the team’s sack total. The Bengals notably did not have a good defense last season. Not having one of the NFL’s leaders in virtually every major pass rush category will not make improving under new coordinator Al Golden any easier as the Bengals try to snap a two-year playoff drought. — Baby

Could this drag into the regular season?

Absolutely. Hendrickson has firmly indicated that he has no desire to play on his current contract. When asked point-blank if he was willing to skip games, he artfully danced around the question.

But the nonanswer, coupled with his other comments during a lengthy interview session with local reporters in May, signals that it could last into the regular season. Hendrickson has already been informed he could be fined if he misses the mandatory minicamp. While the lost money could sting temporarily, Hendrickson has made it very clear he has strong convictions about his value and current deal with the Bengals. — Baby

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Ryan Clark explains why it is imperative that the Bengals don’t get off to a slow start again.

If they can’t get a deal done, what are the other options?

Hendrickson could be the one who relents and plays out the final year of his deal. That would make him a free agent next year. However, earning a deal at the same amount in 2026 as he commands this offseason is the furthest thing from a guarantee, considering Hendrickson’s age.

He could end up making this as bitter as possible, as Carlos Dunlap did in 2020, which left the Bengals no choice but to trade him in the middle of the season. If the rest of the league knows Cincinnati has to eradicate a toxic situation, that could also impact the type of trade compensation teams are willing to offer. — Baby

How are his teammates responding to his stance?

Players have been mostly supportive of Hendrickson’s decision to stand his ground and seek a new deal. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been one of his most ardent backers.

However, Burrow did have an interesting comment when asked about Hendrickson’s situation. “Just like anybody, I’m sure there’s things he’d like to have back,” Burrow said on May 20. “He’s very well thought out in his process and what he’s trying to do. If he thinks that’s the way to go, then that’s the way to go.”

Fellow teammates want Hendrickson to be rewarded for what he has brought to the team, and the locker room as well. “He’s an amazing player, man,” Chase said Tuesday. “I mean, everyone sees it. We all see what he does to this team, the energy he brought back the day he came in.

“We all know he deserves it.” — Baby

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May 29, 2025 0 comments