CryptoPunks IP Acquired by Nonprofit NODE Foundation for Long-Term Preservation

In Brief:

The Infinite Node Foundation has acquired CryptoPunks' IP from Yuga Labs to preserve and expand the NFT legacy.

The nonprofit will focus on preservation, community engagement, and scholarly access, with an upcoming full collection exhibit in Palo Alto.

CryptoPunks, one of Ethereum’s most iconic NFT collections, has found a new permanent home. The Infinite Node Foundation (NODE), a newly established nonprofit focused on digital art, has acquired the intellectual property (IP) for the 10,000-piece collection from Yuga Labs, the creators of Bored Ape Yacht Club.

Originally created by Larva Labs in 2017 and later acquired by Yuga Labs in 2022, the CryptoPunks IP now transitions to a nonprofit dedicated to its long-term stewardship. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Natalie Stone, former general manager of CryptoPunks at Yuga Labs, will join NODE as an advisor.

NODE’s mission focuses on preservation, community, and expansion. According to Foundation Chair Micky Malka, the aim is to provide “museum-grade conservation” and create long-term accessibility for scholars, curators, and collectors.

Yuga Labs co-founder Wylie Aronow stated that the move is a “full-circle moment,” affirming that the Punks deserve a permanent structure built for preservation. Aronow joins an advisory board that includes Art Blocks founder Erick Calderon and CryptoPunks creators Matt Hall and John Watkinson.

NODE’s first major initiative will be a full exhibition of the CryptoPunks collection at its Palo Alto space, in collaboration with the original creators.

The announcement coincides with a sharp rise in CryptoPunks’ market activity. The collection’s price floor has jumped 74% this week to $123,086, while Ethereum’s price has also surged nearly 45%. Lifetime trading volume for CryptoPunks has surpassed $3 billion since their free mint launch in 2017, according to Punks.wtf.

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