The COPA v Wright Trilogy: English High Court's Judicial Treatment of Vexatious Litigation in Web3 and Blockchain Matters

Abstract

This case analysis examines three sequential English High Court decisions in the litigation between the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) and Dr Craig Wright. The trilogy comprising the Relief Judgment , the Contempt Judgment, and the General Civil Restraint Order (GCRO) Judgment demonstrates the Court’s methodical progression from injunctive relief to contempt findings and ultimately to a civil restraint order. These judgments illustrate how English civil procedure addresses persistent and meritless litigation, particularly in the areas of digital assets, blockchain technology, and intellectual property. The Court focused on safeguarding judicial resources while protecting the interests of affected parties by balancing the need for access to justice with the necessity of deterring vexatious conduct.