Own the Doge DAO Secures Licensing Rights to Iconic Shiba Inu Image

Own The Doge, the DAO associated with the Dogecoin token, has acquired the exclusive licensing and rights to the iconic Shiba Inu image from Sato Atsuko, the owner of the original dog Kabosu. This move aims to provide clarity around the copyright of the doge image and unlock opportunities for partnerships with big brands. Own The Doge plans to unify the doge community under one cultural umbrella, respecting the usage of the image by users and brands who have already adopted it for positive purposes.

Own the Doge DAO Acquires Exclusive Licensing Rights to Iconic Shiba Inu Image

April 17, 2023

Own the Doge, the decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) associated with the Shiba Inu meme that inspired the Dogecoin (DOGE) token, has announced the acquisition of exclusive licensing rights to the iconic image.

Following negotiations with Sato Atsuko, the owner of the Shiba Inu named Kabosu, the group has secured the exclusive rights to the image, granting them control over merchandise and other commercial uses in the crypto space.

"This deal clarifies the copyright issue surrounding the Doge image, which has been a source of confusion for many," said Tridog, a project leader at Own the Doge. "We believe it unlocks opportunities for partnerships with major brands."

The acquisition of the rights to Kabosu's image follows a three-year negotiation process involving legal experts in Japan and the United States. Own the Doge has already collaborated with Sato to release a documentary exploring the history of the Doge meme and its evolution in the crypto community.

"We're not looking to enforce our copyright against users or brands that have been using the image to spread the 'doing only good everyday' mantra," explained John Monarch, another project leader at Own the Doge.

"Our goal is to unify the entire Doge community, including Dogecoin, NFT enthusiasts, and meme creators. This acquisition will allow us to bring these diverse groups together under one cultural umbrella."

The genesis of the Doge image can be traced back to 2010, when Sato posted a casual picture of Kabosu sitting on a yellow sofa on social media. The image quickly gained traction, becoming a popular meme. The term "Doge" was first coined on social media by Monarch, and the image eventually inspired the creation of the Dogecoin token and various crypto-themed merchandise.

Tridog emphasized that the acquisition of the licensing rights is unlikely to affect the Dogecoin Foundation or the meme token itself, which will continue to use the Doge image.

Kabosu, the beloved Shiba Inu who has become synonymous with the Doge meme, will celebrate her 19th birthday on November 2nd in Japan. While she is considered elderly for a dog, her life expectancy may surpass that of the world's oldest Shiba Inu, who lived to be over 26 years old.

The securing of the exclusive licensing rights to the Doge image by Own the Doge DAO represents a significant milestone for the crypto community. It provides clarity and legitimacy to the use of the iconic meme while creating opportunities for partnerships and brand collaborations that can further propel the Doge ecosystem.