How does copyright work with NFTs?

Owning an NFT typically grants possession of a unique token, not the copyright to the underlying digital content.

Jul 17, 2025 at 04:07 pm

Understanding the Basics of NFTs and Copyright

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have revolutionized how digital assets are perceived and traded. However, many people still confuse ownership of an NFT with copyright ownership of the underlying content. When someone purchases an NFT, they typically acquire a unique token on the blockchain that proves ownership of a specific digital file, such as an image, video, or audio. This does not automatically grant them the copyright to the associated media.

The creator of the digital asset usually retains the copyright unless explicitly transferred through a licensing agreement. This means that while the buyer owns the token, the creator can still reproduce, distribute, and create derivative works from the original content. This distinction is crucial for both artists and collectors to understand before engaging in NFT transactions.

How Copyright Law Applies to Digital Art and NFTs

When a digital artwork is minted as an NFT, the artist remains the copyright holder unless they choose to transfer those rights. This allows the artist to:

• Sell multiple copies of the same artwork as different NFTs.
• Retain the right to display or license the work elsewhere.
• Enforce legal action against unauthorized use by others.

Buyers often assume that owning an NFT gives them full control over the associated content, but this is not the case. For example, purchasing a digital painting as an NFT is similar to buying a physical painting — you own the piece itself, but not the right to reproduce or sell copies of it. The original creator holds these exclusive rights under copyright law unless otherwise agreed upon.

Licensing Agreements in NFT Transactions

To avoid confusion and potential legal disputes, licensing agreements should be clearly defined when NFTs are sold. These agreements specify what rights, if any, the NFT owner receives beyond mere possession of the token. Some creators may offer limited licenses that allow owners to:

• Display the artwork for personal use.
• Use the artwork commercially, under certain conditions.
• Transfer the license along with the NFT when reselling it.

It’s important for buyers to read the terms of sale carefully before completing a transaction. Many marketplaces include default licensing terms, but these vary widely between platforms. In some cases, no additional rights are granted at all, which leaves the buyer with nothing more than a verifiable token of ownership.

Common Misconceptions About NFT Ownership

One of the most widespread misconceptions is that owning an NFT equates to owning the intellectual property (IP) behind the digital file. This is rarely true unless explicitly stated. Here are a few other common misunderstandings:

• Reselling rights: Just because you own an NFT doesn’t mean you can legally create and sell copies of the artwork.
• Commercial usage: Unless the creator grants permission, using the NFT’s content for profit may infringe on their copyright.
• Control over distribution: Even after selling an NFT, the creator can still share or sell the digital file elsewhere.

These misconceptions can lead to legal issues for both buyers and sellers. Therefore, transparency and clear communication regarding rights and permissions are essential in every NFT transaction.

Legal Risks and Enforcement in the NFT Space

With the rapid growth of the NFT market, copyright infringement has become a growing concern. Unauthorized individuals sometimes mint and sell NFTs based on someone else’s work without permission. This raises serious legal questions about accountability and enforcement.

In such cases, the rightful copyright holder can issue takedown notices or pursue legal action against the infringing party. Some NFT marketplaces have implemented mechanisms to report stolen content, but enforcement remains inconsistent across platforms.

Additionally, smart contracts used in NFT sales do not inherently enforce copyright laws. They simply facilitate the transfer of tokens and royalties. If a seller mints an NFT without owning the copyright, the resulting transaction could be invalid or subject to legal challenge.

Best Practices for Artists and Collectors

To navigate the complexities of copyright and NFTs effectively, both artists and collectors should adopt best practices:

• Artists should clearly state what rights they are granting or retaining in the NFT listing.
• Collectors must read the terms of sale and verify whether any commercial or reproduction rights are included.
• Both parties should consider consulting a legal expert specializing in intellectual property when drafting licensing agreements.
• Using digital watermarks or metadata can help identify the rightful owner of the copyright.

By following these guidelines, participants in the NFT space can reduce the risk of legal conflicts and ensure that both creators and buyers benefit fairly from their transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trademark an NFT?

Trademark law protects logos, names, and symbols used to identify goods or services. While you cannot trademark the NFT itself, you can potentially trademark the brand or logo associated with it if it meets the criteria for distinctiveness and use in commerce.

What happens if someone else uses my NFT’s artwork without permission?

If you own the copyright or have been granted usage rights via a license, you may have grounds to take legal action. However, if you only own the NFT without additional rights, your ability to stop others from using the artwork may be limited.

Do NFT royalties affect copyright ownership?

No, NFT royalties are separate from copyright ownership. Royalties are payments made to the original creator each time the NFT is resold, but they don’t confer any additional rights to the underlying intellectual property unless specified in a contract.

Is it possible to transfer copyright through an NFT sale?

Yes, but only if there is a written agreement transferring the copyright from the creator to the buyer. Simply purchasing an NFT does not automatically transfer copyright; it requires a formal assignment or licensing arrangement.