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    Game Over faketoshi
    Satoshi

    Game Over for Faketoshi

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    In a nearly fully packed courtroom, the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) and its legal team, led by Jonathan Hough KC, presented their arguments for significant injunctive relief against Dr. Craig Wright. The hearing, marked by intense legal debate and dramatic revelations, could have far-reaching implications for the cryptocurrency community and the ongoing saga surrounding the true identity of Bitcoin’s creator.

    The Scene in Court

    The courtroom had a noticeable presence of solicitors and barristers representing COPA and the BTC Core developers, signaling the high stakes of the proceedings. On the other side, the absence of key figures like Craig Wright and his lead counsel, Lord Grabiner KC, underscored the gravity of the situation for Wright’s camp.

    Jonathan Hough KC opened the session by emphasizing the extensive harm caused by Wright’s persistent claims of being Satoshi Nakamoto. He recounted the chilling effect these claims had on the cryptocurrency community, notably referencing the legal harassment of individuals like Hodlonaut and Peter McCormack, who had publicly called Wright a fraud. Hough’s depiction of Wright’s actions painted a stark picture of intentional and malicious conduct aimed at silencing critics and stifling Bitcoin’s development.

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    The Impact on the Developer Community

    Hough argued that Wright’s legal maneuvers had driven away at least five key developers from the cryptocurrency space, significantly hindering technological progress. He described Wright’s actions as a deliberate attempt to destroy lives and careers, emphasizing that such behavior cannot go unpunished. The judge, Mr. Justice Mellor, appeared sympathetic to these arguments, listening intently as Hough detailed Wright’s attacks on his critics.

    A particularly poignant moment came when Hough read aloud some of Wright’s derogatory statements about Hodlonaut, highlighting the personal vendetta Wright had waged against the Bitcoin community. The descriptions of Wright’s behavior elicited gasps from the audience, underscoring the emotional and professional toll his actions had taken on individuals within the community.

    Calls for Severe Injunctive Relief

    Jonathan Hough KC called for comprehensive injunctive relief to prevent Wright from continuing his claims of being Satoshi Nakamoto. He proposed measures to bar Wright from making such claims in any public forum, whether online, in books, or through other media. Hough also requested that Wright be prohibited from supporting others in making similar claims, effectively seeking to cut off any future legal threats stemming from Wright’s assertions.

    The legal basis for these requests was bolstered by precedents from significant cases, including a Northampton Council case and the well-known Apple vs. Samsung copyright infringement case. Hough framed these precedents to support the argument that severe injunctive measures were necessary to protect the cryptocurrency community and prevent further litigation.

    The Judge’s Reaction

    Throughout the hearing, Justice Mellor displayed a strong inclination towards the arguments presented by COPA. His expressions and comments suggested a readiness to impose stringent measures against Wright. At one point, Mellor even suggested that Wright should post a notice on his website indicating that his claims had been legally debunked, reflecting the court’s frustration with Wright’s persistent defiance.

    Hough highlighted the recent removal of content from Wright’s social media and websites, linking these actions directly to the ongoing proceedings. He argued that such deletions were insufficient and that a formal injunction was necessary to ensure compliance and prevent Wright from re-posting his fraudulent claims.

    Wright’s Legal Team’s Defense

    Craig Orr KC, representing Wright, argued that the proposed injunctive relief was disproportionate and an infringement on Wright’s human rights, particularly his freedom of expression. Orr contended that the court’s role was not to punish Wright but to address the specific legal issues at hand. He criticized the breadth of COPA’s requests, claiming that they sought to humiliate and punish Wright beyond what was legally justifiable.

    Despite these arguments, the court’s inclination seemed clear. Justice Mellor appeared unimpressed with the defense’s attempts to downplay the impact of Wright’s actions and their legal ramifications. The judge’s focus on the extraordinary nature of Wright’s campaign against his critics suggested a willingness to consider COPA’s stringent requests seriously.

    COPA’s Claims

    The Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) has been at the forefront of challenging Wright’s claims. COPA aims to invalidate Wright’s assertion that he is Satoshi Nakamoto, a claim that has sparked significant controversy and skepticism within the cryptocurrency community.

    COPA’s lawsuit seeks a court order to prohibit Wright from making any further claims about being Satoshi Nakamoto, to retract past statements, and to disseminate the court’s judgment regarding his false claims. Additionally, COPA is seeking reimbursement for their legal expenses. If successful, this case could set a legal precedent that discourages similar attempts to manipulate the identity of Bitcoin’s creator.

    The BTC Core Claim

    Wright’s legal entanglements also extend to major cryptocurrency exchanges and developers. Two significant cases involve claims against Coinbase and the BTC Core developers.

    Similar to the case against Coinbase, Wright has also filed claims against several developers associated with BTC Core. These claims involve allegations of misappropriation and unauthorized use of Bitcoin technology and intellectual property. The developers, however, have mounted a robust defense, arguing that Wright’s claims lack legal standing and merit.

    The Coinbase Claim

    Wright and his associated entities filed claims against Coinbase Global, Inc., CB Payments, Ltd, Coinbase Europe Limited, and Coinbase, Inc., alleging intellectual property violations. The core of the dispute involves claims that Coinbase improperly passed off Bitcoin technology that Wright asserts ownership over.

    Coinbase argues that Wright’s claims are without merit and that they should recover the costs of defending against these claims. Coinbase has successfully obtained a worldwide freezing order (WFO) against Wright to secure their costs and is seeking further reimbursement for legal expenses incurred during the stays of the actions and other related costs.

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    Costs and Interim Payments

    In both the Coinbase and BTC Core cases, the courts have ordered Wright to pay substantial costs. The discussions around these payments have been contentious, with disputes over the amount and timing of the interim payments. Coinbase and other defendants argue for higher interim payments, citing the extensive costs incurred in defending against Wright’s claims. There is a further hearing on costs on Friday 14th of June in the High Court.

    The Video Debacle

    In the midst of proceedings it was revealed that Craig Wright released a live stream video from him, from allegedly Thailand where he continued making claims about his Satoshiness in full defiance of the court and the proceedings. At that moment, Mr Justice Mellor did not look pleased at all. The tweet from Arthur van Pelt below describes it perfectly.

    The Broader Implications

    The outcome of this hearing could have profound effects on the cryptocurrency world. A ruling in favor of COPA would not only curtail Wright’s ability to claim he is Satoshi Nakamoto but also set a strong precedent for handling similar cases in the future. It would reinforce the notion that baseless and harmful legal actions against community members and developers will not be tolerated.

    Moreover, the case highlights the ongoing struggle within the cryptocurrency community to protect its decentralized and open-source ethos from individuals who seek to exploit it for personal gain. The legal battles surrounding Wright have already consumed significant resources and attention, detracting from the community’s primary focus on technological innovation and development.

    More to Come

    As the hearing concluded, the court remained poised to deliver a decisive ruling. Jonathan Hough KC’s compelling arguments and the court’s apparent alignment with COPA’s position suggested that Wright could face significant legal setbacks. This means a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service which will turn into a criminal trial where a jury will decide the charges for perjury. This is almost a foregone conclusion now.

    The Bitcoin community watched closely, aware that the judge’s decision could mark a turning point in the ongoing quest to protect Bitcoin’s legacy and future from fraudulent claims and legal harassment.

    The stakes in this case extend far beyond the immediate parties involved. They touch on fundamental issues for the integrity of open-source communities, and the right to challenge fraudulent claims without fear of retribution.

    Author Profile

    Lucy Walker
    Lucy Walker
    Lucy Walker covers finance, health and beauty since 2014. She has been writing for various online publications.
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