The internet’s most valuable art project and a standout during the 2021 NFT craze, the CryptoPunks collection has found new ownership. The intellectual property rights, once held by Yuga Labs, have been sold. Launched in 2017, a time when NFTs were unfamiliar to many, CryptoPunks quickly initiated a wave of enthusiasm. Yuga Labs subsequently introduced their APE tokens, amplifying the excitement among enthusiasts.
CryptoPunks Transaction
Introduced by Larva Labs in 2017, CryptoPunks catalyzed the modern digital art movement. The 2021 bull market saw prominent figures and artists adopting these NFTs as their profile images, creating notable buzz. With over $3 billion in sales, creators Matt Hall and John Watkinson became leading figures among living artists who have achieved high sales and revenue.
The collection, an algorithmically generated array of 10,000 unique pieces, has been acquired by Infinite Node Foundation (NODE), who now holds the intellectual property rights.
Future of CryptoPunks
CryptoPunks, a beacon of freedom on the internet, is poised to enter a new phase. NODE aims to propel this brand forward by implementing an advanced governance model based on three pillars.
Firstly, by utilizing advanced blockchain infrastructure, they intend to ensure the technological integrity and longevity of CryptoPunks. The aim is to build a participatory ecosystem by bridging with art enthusiasts. Additionally, they aspire to create environments to explore, exhibit, and appreciate CryptoPunks as both technological innovations and artistic achievements.
To achieve these expansive goals, NODE has formed an advisory board. Among its members are Matt Hall and Watkinson from Larva Labs, Wylie Aronow (gordongoner) from Yuga Labs, and Erick Calderon from Art Blocks.
“With over $377 million in secondary sales this year alone, CryptoPunks has surpassed all living contemporary artists but is absent from mainstream art world rankings and discourse. NODE actively seeks to bridge this cultural divide by redefining how digital art is experienced.
This vision kicks off with the opening of NODE’s permanent center and exhibition space in Palo Alto, presenting a comprehensive exhibition of the 10,000-piece collection. Here, NODE will host a full Ethereum 
$2,318 node to enhance the accessibility and permanence of the housed artworks.” – Infinite Node Foundation (NODE)
