UK Supreme Court Denies Craig Wright’s Libel Appeal

UK Supreme Court denies Craig Wright’s plea for an appeal in his libel case against podcaster Peter McCormack. Wright, who asserts he is Satoshi Nakamoto, the mastermind behind Bitcoin, took legal action against McCormack for disputing his Nakamoto identity. The court’s decision in July awarded Wright a symbolic 1-pound compensation, a verdict that withstood two unsuccessful appeals, solidifying the nominal damages awarded.

Supreme Court Denies Craig Wright’s Bitcoin Appeal

The Supreme Court refused permission for Craig Wright’s appeal at the end of last year,” said Rupert Cowper-Coles. He is a partner at law firm RPC, representing McCormack. “They are very pleased the 1 pound nominal damages award stands. Craig tried to appeal it unsuccessfully twice.”

In addition to speeches from McCormack and the Supreme Court, Craig Wright’s attorneys, Shoosmiths, offered their thoughts. Regretfully, no responses were obtained before the deadline for publication. This latest defeat intensifies Wright’s continuing legal battles with Bitcoin developers and companies.

Furthermore, the group rejected an offer to settle a years-long case on Thursday. Wright alleged they violated his copyright to the Bitcoin white paper, blockchain database, and file format. This was by accessing the Bitcoin network and databases for their work.

“Hard pass on that ‘settlement,'” the nonprofit COPA shared insight via  X post. COPA represents the 13 Bitcoin Core developers and companies named in Wright’s 2016 complaint. These include Coinbase and Block. “The offer isn’t accurate either. It has loopholes allowing Wright to sue people repeatedly,” COPA said.

Hard pass on that "settlement."

Just like Craig Wright forges documents and doesn't quite tell the truth, his description of the settlement offer isn't quite accurate either – it comes with loopholes that would allow him to sue people all over again.

— COPA (@opencryptoorg) January 24, 2024

Wright first sued the developers and companies in 2016, claiming they infringed on his alleged copyrights related to Bitcoin. The defendants have disputed his claims of being Bitcoin’s creator.

“This has been a long battle, and we’re glad the lower court’s ruling stands,” said a spokesperson for Coinbase. “Attempts to claim ownership of open source software are antithetical to the values of the crypto community.”

Moreover, the cases highlight the ongoing controversy around Wright’s claims to be Nakamoto. Despite failing to prove he is Bitcoin’s creator conclusively, Wright continues legal efforts to assert control over Bitcoin-related intellectual property.

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