In a big move for the NFT and digital art world, Yuga Labs has officially transferred the intellectual property (IP) rights of the iconic CryptoPunks NFT collection to the Infinite Node Foundation (NODE). The announcement came on May 13 and marks a major shift in who holds the keys to one of the most valuable NFT collections ever created.
Infinite Node Foundation Now Owns the CryptoPunks IP
The Infinite Node Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on digital art, confirmed that it has acquired the IP rights for CryptoPunks from Yuga Labs. Along with the acquisition, NODE received a $25 million endowment, making it the best-capitalized nonprofit dedicated to digital art in the U.S.
Although the financial details weren't shared, the deal highlights growing efforts to preserve the cultural relevance of historic NFTs like CryptoPunks.
Who’s Overseeing CryptoPunks Now?
NODE has created an advisory board to manage the collection. It includes CryptoPunks creators Matt Hall and John Watkinson, a Yuga Labs representative, and other digital art experts.
“Our role is to build a networked architecture that allows digital art like CryptoPunks to thrive within both digital and art-historical canons,” NODE shared on X.
Why CryptoPunks Matter in the NFT World
CryptoPunks NFTs were created in 2017 by Larva Labs. The collection features 10,000 unique pixel-art characters and is seen as a pioneer in the NFT space. They helped kick off a new wave of digital ownership and blockchain-based art.
As of May 13, the total market cap of CryptoPunks was nearly $1.2 billion, according to CoinGecko, making it the most valuable NFT collection. It has generated over $3 billion in sales. One NFT even sold for nearly $24 million in 2022.
Yuga Labs Steps Back, Focuses Elsewhere
Yuga Labs, the company behind Bored Ape Yacht Club, acquired CryptoPunks and Meebits in 2022. In 2025, Yuga sold Meebits and has now passed CryptoPunks to NODE, signaling a more focused strategy.
Earlier this year, Yuga also announced that the SEC had closed its investigation into the company—a big win for the NFT space.
Final Thoughts
This transition signals a shift in how we think about digital assets—not just as investments but as important cultural pieces. With the Infinite Node Foundation now in charge, the future of CryptoPunks looks set to blend historic preservation with digital innovation.
