Overview
In a landmark ruling, a UK judge has dismissed Australian computer scientist Craig Wright’s claim to be the inventor of Bitcoin, known pseudonymously as Satoshi Nakamoto. The decision, delivered by Justice James Mellor at London’s High Court, concluded that Wright had lied and forged documents to support his assertion.
The Ruling
Justice Mellor’s judgment, spanning 231 pages, was unequivocal in its findings. The judge stated that Wright had "lied to the court repeatedly" and committed forgery "on a grand scale" in his attempt to prove he was Nakamoto. The ruling prevents Wright from bringing claims as Satoshi Nakamoto in the UK.
- Forgery and Lies: Wright was found to have presented fake documents and given false testimony. The judge described Wright’s narrative as "riddled with inconsistencies and absurd explanations."
- No Copyright Ownership: The court determined that Wright does not have copyright ownership that would enable him to sue Bitcoin developers, as he has done in the past.
- Impact on the Open-Source Community: A spokesperson for the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) hailed the decision as a "definitive win for the truth," allowing developers to continue their work without fear of litigation from Wright.
Background
Craig Wright first stepped forward with his claim to be the creator of Bitcoin in May 2016. He made the claim to three major publications—BBC, The Economist, and GQ—and sent messages digitally signed with cryptographic keys created during the early days of Bitcoin’s development. Wright asserted that these were the blocks used to send 10 bitcoins to Hal Finney in January 2009, marking the first Bitcoin transaction.
Reactions and Future Actions
Following the judgment, Wright announced his intention to appeal the decision. In a post on X, he expressed gratitude to his supporters and stated his plans to challenge the court’s ruling on the identity issue.
- COPA’s Response: COPA lawyers accused Wright of extensive deception and forgery throughout the trial. They presented technical evidence exposing fake documents that Wright justified with "fluent but ultimately unpersuasive answers."
- Financial Backing: The case has raised questions about Wright’s litigation funding source. Online gambling tycoon Calvin Ayre is rumored to be backing Wright financially, although both men deny this.
Conclusion
The judge’s unequivocal findings represent a significant blow to Wright’s reputation and credibility. For the Bitcoin community, the ruling provides a major relief from his past claims and litigation threats. While Wright may pursue appeals, the judgment stands as a critical moment in the ongoing saga of Bitcoin’s mysterious origins.
