What is the difference between owning the NFT and the IP?

Purchasing an NFT grants ownership of a unique blockchain token, but not necessarily the intellectual property rights to the associated digital asset.

Jul 15, 2025 at 07:28 pm

Understanding the Concept of NFT Ownership

When someone purchases an NFT (Non-Fungible Token), they are acquiring a unique digital certificate that proves ownership of a specific asset on the blockchain. This certificate is stored on a decentralized ledger, making it verifiable and tamper-proof. However, owning the NFT does not automatically mean the owner possesses the underlying intellectual property rights associated with the digital file. For example, purchasing a digital artwork NFT means you own the token linked to that image, but not necessarily the copyright or usage rights to the artwork itself.

Ownership of an NFT is akin to having a deed to a painting, while the original artist may still retain the right to reproduce, distribute, or display the work.

What Does IP Rights Entail in the Context of NFTs?

Intellectual Property (IP) rights refer to the legal protections granted to creators for their original works. These include copyright, trademarks, and patents, depending on the nature of the creation. In the case of NFTs, especially those representing digital art, music, or videos, the creator typically holds the copyright unless explicitly transferred through a licensing agreement or sale.

If an NFT buyer wants to use the associated media commercially — such as printing it on merchandise or using it in advertising — they must obtain a separate license or assignment of IP rights from the creator. Without this, any commercial use could potentially infringe upon the creator’s copyright, even if the NFT was legally purchased.

Key Differences Between NFT Ownership and IP Rights

• NFT ownership grants possession of a unique token tied to a digital asset, visible on the blockchain.
• IP rights grant control over how the content is used, copied, or distributed.
• The two can be independent of each other, meaning one does not inherently include the other.
• Creators may choose to bundle IP rights with NFT sales, but this must be clearly stated in the terms of sale.

This distinction becomes crucial when disputes arise regarding unauthorized usage or reproduction of digital assets. It also plays a significant role in determining the value and utility of an NFT beyond mere collectibility.

How Can IP Rights Be Transferred Alongside an NFT?

Transferring IP rights along with an NFT requires a clear contractual agreement between the creator and the buyer. This can be achieved in several ways:

• Including a smart contract clause that specifies the transfer of certain usage rights upon purchase.
• Providing a separate licensing document that outlines permitted uses of the underlying media.
• Using platforms that support IP licensing integration, allowing creators to embed license terms directly into the NFT metadata.

For instance, some marketplaces like Foundation or Mint Songs allow creators to define whether the NFT includes commercial rights. If a buyer intends to use the NFT for profit-making activities, they should carefully review these terms before purchasing.

Examples Illustrating the NFT vs IP Divide

Let’s consider a few real-world examples to clarify the distinction:

• When Beeple sold "Everydays: The First 5000 Days" at Christie's for $69 million, the buyer received the NFT but not the exclusive rights to the images within the collage.
• Some musicians release NFT albums where the token grants access to the music, but streaming or redistributing it without permission remains illegal unless specified otherwise.
• In contrast, some NFT projects do offer full IP rights, allowing owners to create derivatives or sell merchandise featuring the NFT artwork.

These cases highlight how critical it is for buyers to understand what they are actually acquiring when they purchase an NFT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I sue someone for using my NFT artwork without permission?

A: Only if you hold the actual copyright or have been granted usage rights. Simply owning the NFT does not give you legal grounds to take action against unauthorized use.

Q: How do I know if an NFT includes IP rights?

A: Review the terms of sale, smart contract details, and platform-specific policies. If unclear, contact the creator directly for clarification.

Q: Can I make money from an NFT if I don’t own the IP?

A: You can resell the NFT or use it for personal display, but commercial exploitation typically requires explicit permission from the rights holder.

Q: What happens if the creator sells multiple NFTs with the same IP?

A: Each NFT owner has a tokenized version of the asset, but none may have exclusive rights unless stated otherwise. Multiple NFT holders could face limitations on how they can use the shared IP.