Tech
ConsenSys-backed Linea criticizes Matter Labs’ takeover of ‘zero-knowledge’ technology
ConsenSys-backed Layer 2 network – Linea – has extended support to StarkWare’s statement denouncing Matter Labs’ attempts to trademark the term “zero knowledge” (ZK) in nine countries.
Matter Labs, the entity behind zkSync, aims to assert exclusive control over this fundamental cryptographic concept, sparking outrage across the industry. Notably, Matter Labs has also pursued registering a token with the symbol “ZK” at exchanges, in an effort to further their claim to technology they did not create.
Linea supports StarkWare: condemns Matter Labs’ move
Zero-knowledge (ZK) technology is critical to privacy and security in blockchain, as it allows people to prove claims without revealing the underlying data.
StarkWare, along with other figures such as Turing Award winner and StarkWare scientific advisory board member Shafi Goldwasser, condemned Matter Labs’ actions as an attempt to privatize a public asset. In an audience declarationStarkWare said,
“A company that exploits the legal system to annex a public good violates cryptographic ethics, Ethereum ethics, and academic ethics. It even goes against the very ethics of Matter Labs, which states: “We can improve this world by increasing people’s freedom”. If the company went through with it, it would separate itself from the very community it claims to be a part of.”
StarkWare, a software company developing ZK-proof technology, urged the community to take action against Matter Labs, pointing out the irony in the latter’s actions. The company noted that its stated principles support collective action in the face of “oppressive behavior.”
Linea also weighs in on the issue stated that using a legal framework to monopolize a branch of cryptography integral to the creation of decentralized, permissionless L2 execution environments contradicts the ethics of Ethereum.
Linea went on to highlight the collaborative nature of Ethereum development, where researchers contribute to scalability solutions such as zkEVM Layer 2 networks. Attempting to claim ownership of ZK technology inhibits progress towards a more inclusive and censorship-resistant network, according to Linea’s statement of May 31st.
Matter Labs addresses the controversy
In response to the trademark application controversy, Matter Labs stated that ZK technology belongs to the community and made it clear that the move aims to ensure that the term “ZK” can be used freely in the context of their projects such as “ZK Sync” and “ZK Stack”, using trademarks as the only legal tool available for such protection.
The company also addressed the misconception that trademarks grant exclusive ownership over a word or phrase, adding that rights extend only to specific goods or services.
Rebecca Rettig, Chief Legal and Policy Officer at Polygon Labs, he answered at Matter Labs, questioning the need for trademark applications and suggesting that if external challenges forced them to apply for trademark, transparency would be essential. The executive even rejected the need for a framework granting permission for the use of the term “zk,” as it should be freely available to all without permission.