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Matter Labs drops ZK trademark applications after industry backlash

Matter Labs, a key player in the zero-knowledge (ZK) technology sector, has announced the withdrawal of its recent trademark applications for the term “ZK.” The decision comes in response to substantial backlash from the broader blockchain and cryptography communities.

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Matter Labs, a key player in the zero-knowledge (ZK) technology sector, has announced the withdrawal of its recent trademark applications for the term “ZK.” The decision comes in response to substantial backlash from the broader blockchain and cryptography communities.

The controversy began when Matter Labs sought to trademark “ZK,” a widely used abbreviation for zero-knowledge proofs, a fundamental technology in the blockchain industry. Critics argued that trademarking such a common term could stifle innovation and create unnecessary legal hurdles for other developers and researchers in the field.

In a public statement, Matter Labs explained that their intention was never to restrict the use of ZK technology but to protect their specific implementations and innovations. However, they acknowledged the community’s concerns and decided to retract their applications to foster a more open and collaborative environment.

The withdrawal of the trademark applications is seen as a positive move by many in the industry, who believe it will help maintain the collaborative spirit essential for advancing cryptographic technologies. Zero-knowledge proofs are critical for enhancing privacy and scalability in blockchain networks, and open access to this technology is crucial for continued innovation.

Matter Labs reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the development of ZK technology and supporting the broader blockchain ecosystem. The company emphasized that it would continue to protect its proprietary technologies through other means, such as patents and copyrights, while ensuring that the general use of zero-knowledge proofs remains unrestricted.

This decision highlights the delicate balance between protecting intellectual property and fostering an open-source ethos within the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Matter Labs’ responsiveness to community feedback underscores the importance of industry collaboration and transparency in driving technological progress.

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Nigerian court postpones Binance tax evasion case to end of April

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A Nigerian court has adjourned the high-profile tax evasion case against cryptocurrency exchange Binance and two of its executives to April 30, extending a legal saga that has drawn significant international attention.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) filed the charges, accusing Binance of failing to register with local tax authorities and of neglecting its obligations under Nigeria’s tax laws. The case also targets two Binance executives, including one still in custody, as part of the government’s broader crackdown on crypto-related financial activity.

The proceedings were delayed after defense lawyers requested more time to review the charges. The court granted the adjournment, with expectations that the next hearing could see more substantive arguments presented.

Binance has not publicly commented on the latest development, but the company has previously stated its intention to cooperate with Nigerian authorities. The case unfolds amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of crypto operations in the country, following concerns over illicit capital flows and economic disruption.

As the legal process continues, industry observers are closely watching the outcome, which could shape the future of crypto regulation and enforcement across Nigeria and potentially influence wider African markets.

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Spanish police arrest six over $20M AI-powered investment scam

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Spanish authorities have shut down a sophisticated investment scam that used artificial intelligence to defraud victims of more than $20 million. The operation, which spanned multiple countries, lured investors with promises of high returns through a fake AI-driven trading platform.

The National Police arrested four individuals and identified 14 others linked to the scheme, which used aggressive marketing tactics and fake online platforms to simulate trading activity. Victims were shown fabricated profits generated by what was advertised as an advanced AI algorithm capable of outperforming the market.

Once trust was established, the scammers convinced users to invest larger sums, only to block access to their funds when withdrawal requests were made. Authorities revealed that the network operated through a network of shell companies and call centers, targeting victims across Spain and other European countries.

The investigation uncovered nearly 300 victims, though officials believe the real number could be significantly higher. Spanish police worked in coordination with international agencies to trace the scam’s financial flows and dismantle its digital infrastructure.

This takedown highlights growing concerns over AI being exploited in financial frauds and the increasing need for cross-border collaboration to combat tech-enabled scams.

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Former Kraken execs acquire real state firm Janover, disclose SOL treasury plans

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Janover Inc. saw its stock price surge by more than 1,000% after announcing a bold shift into the crypto space, including the acquisition of a digital asset company and plans to add Solana (SOL) to its corporate treasury.

The fintech firm, known for its real estate capital markets platform, revealed it had acquired a crypto-native business to spearhead its entry into decentralized finance and blockchain infrastructure. The deal marks a significant pivot for Janover as it positions itself at the intersection of traditional finance and Web3 technologies.

In addition to the acquisition, the company disclosed plans to hold Solana as a treasury asset, citing the blockchain’s high-speed, low-cost architecture as an attractive alternative to more established assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum. The move follows a growing trend of public companies diversifying reserves with digital currencies.

CEO Blake Janover described the decision as part of a broader vision to integrate decentralized technologies into financial services and unlock long-term shareholder value.

The dramatic stock rally highlights investor excitement around the company’s strategic shift and signals strong market support for Janover’s embrace of the crypto ecosystem.

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