Sign Up for Alerts
Sign up to receive receive industry-specific emails from our legal team.
Sign Up for Alerts
We provide tailored, industry-specific legal updates to our clients and other friends of the firm.
Areas of Interest
February 10th, 2023
Now That Birkin NFTs Are Illegal, What Happens to the Ones Collectors Bought?
Blockchain Technology Co-Chair Jeremy S. Goldman is quoted in the article, “Now That Birkin NFTs Are Illegal, What Happens to the Ones Collectors Bought?” published by Observer. The article discusses the landmark case between Hermès and MetaBirkin creator, Mason Rothschild and the challenges associated with destroying the NFT collection. Jeremy is quoted saying, “Taking the MetaBirkins off the market will be nearly impossible. It’s a real unanswered question with blockchain: what happens in the event of infringement?”
Jeremy notes that in typical infringement cases regarding physical goods, a positive ruling would allow a company to impound and destroy the assets. He says, “It’s very difficult to get rid of the tokens or de-link the artwork.” While Hermès can prevent major NFT marketplaces from selling the MetaBirkins, there is not much they can do to prevent the collection’s sale outside of that. Jeremy adds, “It’s not so different than what happens in the real world If a manufacturer creates counterfeit goods, there’s not much control once they’ve left. It’s very hard to put that genie back in the bottle.”
Jeremy also notes that the value of MetaBirkins may see a bump in demand because of their new status as contraband. He identifies customer recourse as another issue made complicated by the digital nature of the case. He says, “Owners of physical assets typically have recourse against those who sell them counterfeit goods, such as fake luxury bags. It’s still unclear whether MetaBirkin holders can extract compensation from Rothschild.”
Read the full article here.
Other Quoted
Jonah Brill and Spouse Emma Brill Featured on Cardozo Law School Podcast
Jonah Brill and his wife Emma Brill are interviewed on their alma mater’s audio publication SPARKS: A Cardozo School of Law Podcast | Cardozo Law. Having met as first-year law students at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, they discuss how their law school affected their personal lives and chosen career paths. They share their class recommendations, “insights into the complexities of tax law,” and “lessons learned along the way.” Listen here.
April 8 2025
Key Amendments to the New York Rules of Professional Conduct
The New York Law Journal quotes Tyler C. Maulsby on the recently amended Rules of Profesisonal Conduct, which will affect conflicts, screening of laterals, fairness to opposing counsel, and more. View Article
April 1 2025
Duke’s ‘White Lotus’ Cameo Not Likely An IP Problem for HBO
Law360 quotes Kimberly M. Maynard on whether HBO was within its rights to use Duke University's apparel in its artistic expression on the dark comedy show "The White Lotus." Kim argues that when discussing something that's clearly an artistic expression, brand owners' rights are fairly limited by the First Amendment and the Rogers case, even as amended by the Jack Daniels' case. (Behind paywall) View Article
March 31 2025
