Yuga Labs Gets Partial Win in Bored Apes NFT Trademark Case (1)

Bored Ape Yacht Club nonfungible token maker Yuga Labs Inc. convinced a California federal judge to toss several counterclaims brought by artists Ryder Ripps and Jeremy Cahen, who Yuga has accused of selling knock-off Bored Ape NFTs.

Judge John F. Walter of the Central District of California struck Ripps and Cahen’s counterclaims alleging intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress under California’s statute barring strategic lawsuits against public participation. Walters also awarded Yuga attorneys’ fees and costs related to the stricken claims.

Ripps and Cahen didn’t allege “extreme or outrageous” behavior by Yuga Labs sufficient to maintain the counterclaims, Walter ...