The world of IP-backed meme tokens is rapidly gaining traction in crypto circles, but concerns over unlicensed projects are causing unease in the market.
On Tuesday, Own The Doge DAO, a collective that holds the intellectual property (IP) rights to the iconic “Doge” meme, announced its acquisition of the rights to use images of Neiro, a Shiba Inu. Neiro was adopted by the owner of Kabosu—the dog that inspired the original “Doge” meme—after Kabosu’s passing in July. The DAO is now facilitating a community discussion to determine which NEIRO token can legitimately represent Neiro.
A New Chapter for Doge Culture
“We’re pleased to announce that @kabosumama has officially granted our DAO the Neiro IP,” Own The Doge shared on X (formerly Twitter). “When Atsuko revealed the name of her newly adopted dog, Neiro, many tokens were launched in an attempt to capitalize on her name and story.”
The DAO pointed out that these competing tokens are vying to establish themselves as the “real” Neiro without clear criteria, creating a chaotic landscape. “It doesn’t have to be this way,” the DAO continued. “Our DAO owns the IP rights for Neiro, and we invite the Doge community to join us in deciding which token deserves this recognition.”
A community-wide discussion is underway to gather feedback from both token creators and the broader crypto community. Following this, a formal on-chain proposal will be put to a vote by DOG token holders to finalize the decision on Neiro’s IP representation.
The Rise of NEIRO Tokens
The announcement of Neiro’s adoption earlier this year sparked a wave of NEIRO-themed tokens on Solana and Ethereum. Two of these tokens have since grown into active communities with market capitalizations reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. However, Atsuko Sato (known as Kabosumama), the owner of Kabosu and Neiro, has distanced herself from these projects.
“I see many tokens related to Kabosu and Neiro. To clarify, I do not endorse any crypto project except @ownthedog $DOG because they own the original Doge photo and IP,” she posted on X. “They are committed to charitable works and preserving Doge culture. Please watch out for token scams.”
Competing Claims and Heated Discussions
The community discussion has revealed fierce rivalries among token teams associated with Neiro. Each claims to be the original or most authentic project.
“We believe the Neiro IP should correspond with the first Neiro meme coin on-chain,” stated @Neirowoof, the creators of the first NEIRO token. “Our community has been dedicated to preserving Kabosu’s legacy since the day Neiro’s adoption was announced. Unfortunately, we’ve faced opposition from power-hungry projects seeking financial gain. Being the first Neiro means honoring this legacy, and we will continue to cherish both Kabosu and Neiro for the memes and joy they bring.”
The debate highlights a broader trend in the crypto space: the growing importance of IP-backed tokens and their legal implications.
The Growing Risks of Unlicensed IP Tokens
Meme tokens, which often operate without legal oversight, are beginning to face scrutiny. Intellectual property (IP) tied to memes, video games, and cultural icons is now becoming a key factor in determining a token’s legitimacy. Tokens that mimic or reference copyrighted IP without proper authorization could face legal consequences.
For example, the creators of the PNUT token, inspired by “Peanut the Squirrel,” are currently embroiled in a legal dispute. Mark Longo, the squirrel’s owner, sent a cease-and-desist letter to Binance on Monday, accusing the exchange of trademark infringement for listing the token. Longo claims the PNUT token improperly uses his trademark, which he has utilized for educational and animal welfare efforts since 2017.
What’s Next for NEIRO?
As IP-backed meme tokens face increasing legal challenges, the fate of NEIRO tokens remains uncertain. With Own The Doge DAO holding the rights to Neiro’s likeness, its community must navigate a complex landscape of competing claims and token legitimacy. Whether NEIRO tokens can avoid the legal pitfalls facing other meme projects depends on how effectively the Doge community comes together to make its decision.
For now, the future of Neiro’s legacy lies in the hands of the DAO and its voters.
