Trademark Infringement: Cease And Desist Sent To Grumpy Cat And Nyan Meme Coin
A law firm representing Grumpy Cat Limited and Nyanify, Inc. has issued cease and desist notices to individuals associated with unauthorized cryptocurrency offerings using the trademarks and copyrighted images of “Grumpy Cat” and “Nyan Cat” respectively. The law firm’s letters highlight trademark and copyright infringement concerns and demand an immediate cessation of all activities related to the infringing cryptocurrencies.
Wow both pump and dump meme coins @Nyanmemecoin @GrumpyCat_Coin were just sent cease and desist letters on-chain. pic.twitter.com/drJvjfOQr0
— ZachXBT (@zachxbt) May 18, 2023
Trademark Infringement
The law firm, based in Los Angeles, CA, represents Grumpy Cat Limited, the worldwide owner of the trademark rights for the “Grumpy Cat” brand, and Nyanify, Inc., the copyright owners of the viral internet sensation “Nyan Cat.” The letters state that the unauthorized offerings, “GrumpvCat” and “Nvan Meme Coin,” bearing the respective trademarks, infringe upon the intellectual property rights of the clients.
In the case of Grumpy Cat Limited, the law firm asserts that the unauthorized use of the “Grumpy Cat” trademarks in connection with the cryptocurrency offering constitutes trademark infringement under the Lanham Act. The firm emphasizes that such unauthorized uses create confusion among consumers, leading them to believe that the coin is affiliated with Grumpy Cat Limited, when in fact, it is not. The letter highlights the intention to deceive consumers through the unauthorized use of the trademarks.
Similarly, the law firm representing Nyanify, Inc. states that the unauthorized use of the copyrighted images of “Nyan Cat” on the “Nvan Meme Coin” cryptocurrency offering infringes upon their client’s copyright and trademark rights. The letters outline the significant commercial value and income generated by the lawful uses of the “Nyan Cat” work by legitimate licensees worldwide.
Demands to Halt Unauthorized Cryptocurrencies
Both letters demand an immediate halt to all activities related to the infringing cryptocurrencies, including the promotion, sale, and distribution of the unauthorized offerings. Failure to comply may result in legal action to protect the intellectual property rights of Grumpy Cat Limited and Nyanify, Inc.
There has been no official response from the individuals associated with the unauthorized cryptocurrency offerings. These cases highlight the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in the cryptocurrency space and serve as reminders for individuals and entities to obtain proper authorization and licenses when using copyrighted images and trademarks.
The outcomes of these trademark and copyright infringement disputes will likely have implications for the broader cryptocurrency community, reinforcing the need for compliance with intellectual property laws and regulations.
