Linea, a ConsenSys-backed zkEVM layer-2 solution, has recently reiterated the importance of maintaining Ethereum's decentralized principles by urging Matter Labs to withdraw its trademark application for the term 'ZK.' Matter Labs, known for its zkSync project, received criticism from various Ethereum community members for its attempt to trademark 'ZK' and 'zero-knowledge,' with intentions to use 'ZK' for an upcoming token.

This move has sparked widespread resistance within the blockchain ecosystem, with concerns that such proprietary claims could impede innovation and collaboration. Key industry figures like Sandeep Nailwal and Brendan Farmer from Polygon, Eli Ben-Sasson from StarkWare Ltd, and Tiancheng Xie from Polyhedra Network have openly opposed Matter Labs' trademark filing, cautioning about the dangerous precedent it could set.

Critics argue that granting exclusivity over terms like 'zero-knowledge' to a single entity could inhibit progress in cryptographic research and applications. Notably, Polyhedra Network, already using 'ZK' as a token ticker, strongly denounced Matter Labs' actions, likening them to those of a 'robber and thief' rather than a blockchain contributor.

In response to the backlash, Matter Labs' CEO, Alex G., defended the trademark application as a measure to prevent misleading practices by dishonest entities. Despite being submitted in February 2024, the applications are pending USPTO's response, prompting calls from the community to oppose their approval.

StarkWare Ltd took a notable stance by releasing an official statement signed by seven industry figures, urging the withdrawal of Matter Labs' trademark application to preserve a collaborative and open-source environment within the blockchain space.