Mark Longo, known on social media as Squirrel Dad, has recently found himself embroiled in a complex legal dispute with Binance, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. Longo is asserting that Binance has exploited his intellectual property rights linked to his beloved animal companion, Peanut the Squirrel. This case not only highlights the intricacies of intellectual property law but also underscores the ethical dilemmas presented by the intersection of social media celebrity and the volatile crypto market.
Peanut, affectionately dubbed “P’Nut,” was an Eastern Grey Squirrel rescued by Longo in 2017. The squirrel quickly captured the hearts of many through an Instagram account dedicated to its charming antics, leading to a significant following. Tragically, Peanut’s story took a dark turn when, in October 2024, it was seized and euthanized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation amid concerns of rabies. This unfortunate incident not only devastated Longo but also intensified the public’s emotional investment in Peanut’s legacy.
In a December 16 post, Longo publicly accused Binance of using his trademarked PNUT brand and associated imagery to promote cryptocurrency offerings without his consent. Longo alleges that the exchange’s actions have resulted in a profound misunderstanding among its users, causing them to erroneously connect the PNUT meme coins available on the platform with Longo’s conservation efforts. This misuse of his intellectual property, according to Longo, not only violates his rights but also diminishes the integrity of his advocacy work.
Legal Claims and Demands
Longo has demanded that Binance cease its alleged infringing activities, urging the exchange to confirm compliance within a tight deadline. He stated that if Binance fails to respond adequately, he is prepared to pursue legal measures under the U.S. Copyright Act. This act allows for penalties up to $150,000 for willful infringement, raising the stakes considerably for the crypto giant. The potential for damages could send ripples through an already tumultuous crypto landscape.
The saga takes a fascinating turn within the speculative world of meme coins. Following Peanut’s death, a coin dubbed the JUSTICE token was launched as a form of protest against how the crypto community profited from Longo’s pain. Although the JUSTICE token initially attracted significant attention, it quickly plummeted in value due to selling pressures. Conversely, the PNUT coin experienced exponential growth, skyrocketing to a market cap exceeding $1 billion after Binance listed it, indicating the lack of ethical standards within speculative investments.
The conflict between Mark Longo and Binance not only raises critical questions about intellectual property rights but also invites broader discussions about ethics in the cryptocurrency market. As an animal rights advocate, Longo’s plight serves as a poignant reminder that the commodification of emotional narratives in the digital age can have real-world implications. As the case unfolds, it will be essential to observe how both the legal system and the cryptocurrency community respond to issues surrounding intellectual property and the ethical treatment of emotional legacies.
