Seth Green, famed for his antics in Austin Powers and a few other popular gigs, recently ventured down the rabbit hole of NFTs and found himself in a pickle—specifically, a Bored Ape-shaped one. After falling prey to a phishing scam, Green lost four of his prized NFTs, including the notable BAYC #8398, to some shadowy digital villain. This incident has sparked an intriguing debate over who really owns the rights to a Bored Ape after it’s been purloined.

The Phishing Predicament

On May 17, 2022, Green tweeted the unfortunate news, revealing that he had taken a digital detour to a not-so-reputable phishing site, which resulted in his NFTs getting snatched faster than you can say “not your keys, not your crypto.” Among the lost assets, he highlighted BAYC #8398 and a few others from the Mutant and Doodle collections. What unfolded next is the crux of this whole saga—and yes, it’s messier than a toddler with a chocolate cupcake.

The Rightful Ownership Debate

Following the theft, the new owner of the stolen BAYC, using the handle DarkWing84, had the NFT hot-potatoed into their hands by the time Green raised the alarm. This scenario ignited a debate about thelicenses of the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs, which stipulate that upon purchase, one gains full ownership. But what happens when that purchase is made from a thief? Time for the lawyers to weigh in!

The Experts Weigh In

Legal minds have differing opinions about whether the new owner can keep the rights to the stolen NFT. Professor Eric Goldman noted that generally, buyers are protected when they unknowingly purchase stolen items. On the flip side, Jake Chervinsky, a policy guru, argued that justice would likely favor Green since the new owner bought from someone who clearly did not possess the rights.

• Pro-Green Arguments: If Green proves theft, he could retain the rights.
• Pro-DarkWing84 Arguments: Theible holds onto the rights if acquired in good faith.

It’s a legal tug-of-war that even the best legal sitcom couldn’t script.

What’s Next for Green and His Show?

Seth Green has ambitions to use one of his stolen apes in a show called White Horse Tavern. However, if the vague statements in the BAYC contract flex their muscles in court, Green might find himself nekkid of the very image he wanted to flaunt on the small screen. Yikes! As he recently hinted, he may resort to legal action if the situation remains unresolved, suggesting he’s not ready to simply roll over and accept defeat.

Phishing Risks and Industry Woes

Green’s not alone in the phishing woes. The BAYC community has seen its fair share of attacks, like the infamous theft of $2.4 million worth of NFTs after a successful hack of their Instagram account. You’d think with all this tech wizardry, some common sense would be in the mix—like, you know, not clicking on sketchy links.

The Bored Ape Yacht Club has gained a hefty resale market, with floor prices floating around the eye-watering 91 ETH—about $183,000. That’s some significant beanage, yet it seems the risks can outweigh the rewards. So the next time you think about joining the NFT party, keep your eyes peeled and your clicks cautious!