The Controversy Unfolds

Matter Labs, the team behind the ZkSync Era Layer 2 network, has become the center of significant controversy. The issue stems from their attempt to trademark 'ZK,' an acronym for zero-knowledge, as intellectual property. This move has provoked a strong reaction from rival projects employing zero-knowledge technology.

Joint Statement from Rivals

On May 30, Starkware, Polygon, and Polyhedra issued a joint statement. They revealed that Matter Labs filed for the 'zero-knowledge' trademark in nine countries in February. The companies urged the web3 community to demand that Matter Labs withdraw its trademarks.

'We condemn this behavior in the strongest possible terms, as a transparent attempt by a corporation to claim ownership over something that does not belong to it,' the statement read. 'We believe that ZK is a public good that belongs to everyone.'

What is Zero-Knowledge Cryptography?

Zero-knowledge cryptography is a pivotal technology for enhancing blockchain privacy. It enables on-chain transaction verification without revealing data related to the transactional parties.

The 2016 launches of the Zcoin and Zcash protocols marked the first real-world applications of zero-knowledge proofs. Starkware and Polygon develop ZK-based Ethereum scaling solutions, while Polyhedra offers a ZK-based cross-chain interoperability protocol.

Matter Labs Defends Its Stance

Matter Labs defended its trademark application through a series of tweets. They argued that trademarks guarantee their ability to use the term 'ZK' for their products.

'A common misconception is that having a trademark means you legally own a particular word or phrase and can prevent others from using it,' Matter Labs tweeted. 'You don't have rights to the word or phrase in general, only to how that word or phrase is used with your specific goods or services.'

They also emphasized their commitment to developing a structure for the ZK trademark that benefits everyone involved in zero-knowledge technology. Matter Labs contacted the Ethereum Foundation to collaborate on establishing a legal framework that would place the term 'ZK' in the public domain.

'ZK technology, and the term ZK in particular, is and must always remain a public good, freely available to all,' Matter Labs stated.

Community Reaction

Despite Matter Labs' explanations, many within the community remain skeptical. Hudson Jameson, VP at Polygon Labs, questioned why Matter Labs has not involved others in this collective effort since February.

Micah Zoltu raised another issue, asking, 'What prevents you from paying fees anymore so the Trademark is no longer owned by you, and thus (functionally) part of the 'public domain'? I need clarification on why there needs to be a collective effort here.'

The controversy unfolds, and the web3 community watches closely as Matter Labs navigates this turbulent situation.

The debate over whether 'ZK' should be trademarked or remain a public good highlights the complexities of intellectual property in the rapidly evolving blockchain technology landscape.