NFT Artist Lucréce Questions Manchester United’s NFT Collection: Inspiration or Copy?

The world of NFTs is buzzing with a new controversy, and this time, it involves the giants of football, Manchester United! Imagine creating unique digital art, establishing your style, and then seeing a major brand launch something strikingly similar. This is precisely what happened to NFT artist Lucréce, and the crypto community is watching closely.

The NFT World Gets a Whiff of Déjà Vu: Lucréce vs. Manchester United

On December 28th, Lucréce, a well-known NFT artist in the Tezos ecosystem, took to Twitter to voice his concerns. He noticed uncanny similarities between Manchester United’s newly launched NFT collection and his own established works. The artist has initiated discussions with Arthur Breitman, co-founder of Tezos, seeking clarity from Manchester United regarding these resemblances. Let’s dive into what exactly sparked this debate.

The Heart of the Matter: Style and Timing

• Lucréce’s Established Art: Lucréce’s NFT collection is not new to the scene. It’s been around for a while and has garnered significant attention within the NFT space, particularly on the Tezos blockchain.
• Manchester United’s New Entry: Manchester United recently launched their “Devils” NFT collection, marking their second foray into digital collectibles.
• The Visual Echo: The crux of the issue lies in the visual style and design elements of Manchester United’s NFTs, which bear a striking resemblance to Lucréce’s distinctive artistic style.
• Timeline Discrepancy: Lucréce’s collection predates Manchester United’s, adding another layer to the discussion about potential inspiration or copying.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a quick comparison:

Community Speculation: Inspiration or More?

The resemblance between the two NFT styles is so noticeable that some community members even wondered if Lucréce was involved in the Manchester United project! While Lucréce hasn’t explicitly accused Manchester United of plagiarism, he did share a side-by-side comparison on Twitter, allowing the community to form their own opinions. This subtle approach speaks volumes and has resonated with many.

Twitter user ClownVamp, for instance, highlighted that Lucréce’s collection is not just any NFT project but “one of Tezos’ most popular and oldest collections,” emphasizing its significance and originality within the Tezos NFT ecosystem.

Tezos’ Role and Manchester United’s NFT Perks

Interestingly, the terms and conditions of Manchester United’s NFT collection reveal a Tezos connection. The NFTs were created by TRILITECH PLATFORM OÜ, described as “the for-profit arm of the Tezos foundation.” This entity was granted permission by the Tezos Foundation to mint and sell Manchester United’s digital collectibles. This connection adds another layer of intrigue to the situation, given Lucréce’s standing within the Tezos community.

Manchester United’s “Devils” collection isn’t just about digital art; it’s about fan engagement. Owning these NFTs comes with perks, including:

• Exclusive airdrops
• Special AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions)
• Private competitions
• Other “surprises” for NFT holders

These incentives are part of Manchester United’s broader collaboration with Tezos, aiming to bridge the gap between sports fandom and the digital asset world.

Positive Developments: Dialogue Opens

In a positive turn of events, Lucréce updated his followers later that day, stating that he had received a response from Manchester United. He credited the support from the community and Tezos for prompting this communication. According to Lucréce, the initial call was productive, and discussions are underway to find a resolution. He also mentioned that due to the holiday season, further updates might be delayed.

Lucréce’s Tweet Update:

“The correspondence between me and ManU has begun. I just had a productive call with them. Because everyone is still on vacation, this is probably the last update on this for a while.”

Community Praises Professionalism

Lucréce’s followers have widely applauded his handling of the situation. His polite and professional approach stands in stark contrast to the often-heated exchanges seen in online controversies, particularly on platforms like Twitter. This measured response has likely contributed to the positive dialogue with Manchester United.

The Ronaldo Dinner Request: A Touch of Humor

Adding a touch of levity to the situation, Lucréce jokingly mentioned requesting dinner with Cristiano Ronaldo as part of his demands. While he later clarified that this wasn’t seriously discussed (“It was almost as if it had been avoided.”), it highlights the artist’s ability to maintain a sense of humor amidst a potentially tense situation.

What’s Next? Resolution and Ripple Effects

The NFT community is keenly observing how this situation unfolds. Will Lucréce receive financial compensation? Will there be a collaborative outcome? Or perhaps, against all odds, will he get that dinner with CR7? More importantly, this incident raises crucial questions about inspiration, originality, and best practices within the rapidly evolving NFT space. As major brands and traditional industries enter the NFT arena, respecting artists and their intellectual property becomes paramount. This case could set a precedent for how such matters are addressed in the future, making it a significant moment for the NFT ecosystem.