ENS Challenges Unstoppable Domains' Patent on Open-Source Technology
ENS Challenges Unstoppable Domains' Patent on Open-Source Technology
馃毃 Patent Showdown
The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) has petitioned the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to challenge the validity of a patent obtained by Unstoppable Domains (UD) in 2023. The patent covers technology that ENS had developed as open-source. ENS claims that UD has patented ENS's pioneering technology, directly leveraging their open-source innovations, which they consider theft. ENS believes that the UD patent threatens to distort or destroy the decentralization and public benefit principles that ENS thrives on. ENS had given UD opportunities to avoid legal action, but UD refused to open-source the patent or make irrevocable pledges not to use it to the detriment of the community. ENS is committed to fighting this battle for the sake of Web3's future and defending the common vision of an open and innovative internet for everyone.
ENS Update 馃У: In 2023 Unstoppable Domains (UD) obtained a patent for technology ENS Labs developed as open-source. Today, we petitioned USPTO to challenge the validity of that patent, and to ensure the web remains a collaborative space. Here's why and what鈥檚 at stake.
馃敀 ENS Dodges Supply Chain Attack
**ENS Labs successfully contained a supply chain attack** that targeted npm packages starting with @ensdomains on November 24. **Key findings:** - All compromised package versions were removed with **zero downloads** - Malicious script came from external PostHog dependency, not ENS core code - Attack was part of larger Shai Hulud malware campaign affecting 400+ npm libraries **Impact assessment:** - ENS websites including [app.ens.domains](http://app.ens.domains) remained unaffected - No evidence of compromised ENS names - Development environment was isolated immediately **Response measures:** - All publishing credentials rotated - Repository and deployment security strengthened - Affected packages unpublished and latest versions restored Developers who installed ENS packages after 5:49am UTC on November 24 should check the [affected packages list](https://go.ens.xyz/npm-attack) and update to latest versions.
馃寪 ENS Prepares for ICANN's April 2026 gTLD Expansion
**ICANN's new generic Top-Level Domain round opens April 2026**, marking a significant expansion of internet naming infrastructure. **ENS is actively preparing** for this development through three key strategies: - **Brand protection** initiatives to safeguard ENS identity - **Registry partnerships** to expand integration opportunities - **Feature enhancement** to bring more ENS capabilities to traditional domains This preparation builds on ENS's existing work bridging Web2 and Web3 naming systems. The service already allows traditional DNS domains (.com, .org) to function as ENS names through integrations like GoDaddy. **The expansion represents** a major evolution in internet naming infrastructure, potentially creating new opportunities for blockchain-based naming services. Read ENS's full preparation strategy: [ens.domains/blog/post/icann-84-gtld](https://ens.domains/blog/post/icann-84-gtld)
ENS App Now Available in Spanish
The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) app has expanded its language support to include Spanish, marking a significant step in global accessibility. This update follows Uniswap's recent multilingual expansion, which now supports seven languages and 18+ currencies. Key updates: - Full Spanish language interface - Available for immediate download - Part of broader Web3 localization efforts Users can access the Spanish version through the standard ENS app interface.
Vitalik Buterin Emphasizes ENS as Infrastructure at frENSday, PayPal Integration Revealed
At the recent frENSday event, two significant developments emerged: - Vitalik Buterin emphasized ENS's role as fundamental infrastructure rather than just an application - PayPal/Venmo representative revealed plans for ENS integration, connecting .eth names with traditional payment addresses This follows PayPal and Venmo's official integration of ENS earlier this year, which brought ENS capabilities to millions of users. The ecosystem has grown to include over 11 million cb.id registrations. *Want to learn more about frENSday?* Visit their website for event details and ticket information.
Ubisoft Integrates Onchain Identities in Captain Laserhawk Universe
Ubisoft is taking a significant step in gaming identity management with its Captain Laserhawk Universe. The game will move away from traditional usernames and gamertags, instead implementing blockchain-based player identities. - Players will have verifiable onchain identities - Integration marks shift from anonymous gaming handles - Part of broader NFT initiative for Captain Laserhawk shooter This approach aims to create more authentic player experiences and ownership within the game ecosystem.