Satoshi Case: Craig Wright Could be Facing Legal Setbacks

Shraddha Sharma
January 26, 2024
Why Trust CoinGape
CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Craig-Wright

Craig Wright’s final appeal in his case against crypto podcast host Peter McCormack has been reportedly denied by the UK Supreme Court, McCormack confirmed in a post on X. The refusal to grant permission for appeal, made by Supreme Court justices, was because “the appeal did not raise an arguable question of law,” noted McCormack.

Also Read: Satoshi Case: UK Judge Delays Wright vs. Bitcoin Devs Trial

Wright sued McCormack for defamation after the latter denied Wright’s claim of being Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin. 

Wright lost a libel claim in 2023, and the latest decision could conclude a five-year legal battle.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Craig Wright extends settlement offer

In a separate but related legal battle, Wright has written a settlement offer to Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) members and other parties involved in the intellectual property litigation. In response, COPA said in a post, ‘Hard pass on that “settlement.”‘

Wright’s settlement offer stood valid for seven days, but COPA seems to have rejected it within a few hours.

Lawyer Preston Byrne commented on the situation. He criticized Wright’s strategy of forking Bitcoin SV to access Satoshi Nakamoto’s coins and his subsequent call for a settlement with COPA before a potential February trial.

Notably, COPA challenges Wright’s assertion that he is Satoshi.

Advertisement
Advertisement

COPA levers serious allegations

On Wednesday, COPA added challenges for Wright by revealing testimony by expert witnesses that the documents Wright recently presented are forgeries. COPA alleges the Bitcoin whitepaper, claimed by Wright to have been written in LaTeX was created in OpenOffice, and a “time capsule” file from 2007 was altered in 2023.

Bitcoin SV and Wright supporter Calvin Ayre accused COPA of misrepresenting its intentions and attempting to kill competition. Ayre said, “COPA does not exist to compete…it exists to kill competition. This will now be obvious to the judge now also. I am a bit shocked COPA jumped on this so fast given what this will now do to their case.”

He suggested that COPA is in a legally challenging position.

However, COPA has claimed that Wright may have used ChatGPT to create some of the forged documents. This revelation undermines Wright’s claim of being the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin.

Also Read: Ager Exits nChain, Ignites ‘Faketoshi’ Claims Against Wright

Advertisement
coingape google news coingape google news
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Shraddha's professional journey spans over five years, during which she worked as a financial journalist, covering business, markets, and cryptocurrencies. As a reporter, she has placed particular emphasis to learn about the market interaction with emerging technologies.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.