The top NFT marketplace OpenSea delists several music-themed ENS Domains after getting trademark complaints from the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).
The complaint from the RIAA includes a list of .eth domains that the association thinks violate the 1999 Anti-Cyber-Squatting Consumer Protection Act.
The selling of the infringing domain names results in “dilution, confusion, and/or tarnishment” of trademarks, the RIAA notes.
89 domain names are included in the letter, including those for Universal Music Group, Atlantic Records, Capitol Records, Warner Music Group, Parlophone Records, and Virgin Records.
Additional domain names make reference to music industry executives like Rob String, Ron Perry, Todd Moscowitz, and Lucian Grainge who are the CEOs of Sony Music Entertainment, Columbia Records, Alamo Records, and UMG, respectively.
The RIAA noted “universalmusic.eth” and “atlanticrecords.eth” for infringing the law as the address paid $5 for each one in 2020 and is the owner of both ENS domains.
The association also took issue with domain names for specific members of the music business, such as the CEO of RIAA, mitchglazier.eth.
OpenSea frequently takes extra precautions on claims of IP infringement. In December, Hermes handbag NFTs were taken down when the brand complained. Prior to that, it delisted Calvin Klein-related ENS domains. Additionally, it delisted Not Okay Bears that copied Okay Bears which is another NFT collection.
Currently, OpenSea is already going through a hard time due to market conditions. Yesterday, OpenSea laid off 20% of its employees citing “crypto winter and broad macroeconomic instability.”
