Conceptual artist Ryder Ripps was officially barred from using Yuga Labs’ imagery and trademarks going forward as part of an apparent resolution to a long-simmering legal debate, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
According to a court filing on Tuesday, Bored Ape Yacht Club maker Yuga Labs and the defendants Ripps and business partner Jeremy Cahen have reached an agreement to resolve the claims of the case. Details of the settlement have not yet been publicly announced.
Yuga sued Ripps and Cahen, also known as Pauly0x, in 2022 for trademark violations after the duo created an allegedly satirical project using the same imagery and ape characters from the original NFT collection. Ripps had also accused BAYC of hiding racist and anti-semitic tropes throughout its artwork, which Yuga described as part of Ripps’ “campaign of harassment,” though the company did not sue for defamation.
Ripps had claimed his project — often called RR/BAYC — was a work of “expressive appropriation art” and protected under the First Amendment. However, in 2023, U.S. District Judge John Walter ruled the copycat tokens could create confusion in the NFT market and violated Yuga’s trademark protections.
Walter ordered Ripps and Cahen to pay nearly $9 million in disgorgement of profits, penalties, and attorneys’ fees.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, while dismissing much of Ripps’ legal argument about fair use, ruled against Yuga’s summary judgment and ordered the case to go to trial, vacating the $9 million penalty. This Ninth Court decision is often said to set the precedent that NFTs are protectable by trademark law.
It now appears the parties are ready to settle. Yuga had previously asked the court to sanction Ripps after he claimed to have destroyed the private keys to the RR/BAYC project.
Cahen created the NFT marketplace Not Larva Labs, named after the original makers of CryptoPunks. Yuga at one point owned the CryptoPunk IP.
© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Stay ahead of the market by turning news insights into trading opportunities. With Coinhub Exchange, you can seamlessly buy, sell, and manage your digital assets, all in one secure platform. Take advantage of real-time market insights, deep liquidity, and fast execution for your favorite cryptocurrencies. Don’t just read about it — trade crypto now!
Disclaimer
The content of this article shown by Coinhub News, powered by The Block, is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Coinhub News and its affiliates are not a licensed financial advisor, legal advisor, broker, or tax advisor, and ... should not be considered as professional advice or a recommendation to engage in any specific investment, legal decision, or financial transaction. Cryptocurrency markets are highly speculative and volatile. Readers should perform their own independent research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial or legal decisions. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Company of its affiliates. Additionally, the Company does not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or completeness of any information in this article. By accessing this content, you acknowledge that any reliance on the information contained in this article is solely at your own risk. The Company is not responsible for any financial losses, legal disputes, or other damages that may arise from reliance on this content or from any investment or legal decisions based on the information provided. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves substantial risks, including the risk of losing your entire investment, and you should carefully consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Read more
