UK high court rules Australian computer scientist is not mysterious bitcoin founder as he claims

Background of the Case

For years, Australian computer scientist Craig Wright has claimed to be the enigmatic creator of bitcoin, known by the pseudonym "Satoshi Nakamoto". This claim was challenged in court by the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (Copa), a non-profit group of technology and cryptocurrency firms.

Court's Ruling

In a landmark ruling, Britain's high court rejected Wright's claim. Justice James Mellor stated that the evidence overwhelmingly showed that Wright did not invent bitcoin, was not Satoshi Nakamoto, and did not author the initial versions of the bitcoin software. The full written statement explaining the decision was published at a later date.

Implications of the Decision

This ruling has significant implications beyond just settling the question of Satoshi Nakamoto's identity. It impacts Wright's pending lawsuits based on his claim to bitcoin's intellectual property rights. Copa alleged that Wright had used his claim to bully and intimidate developers in the bitcoin community, potentially hindering the development of this open-source technology.

Bitcoin's Origins

Bitcoin's creation dates back to 2008, at the height of the financial crisis. A paper published under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto introduced the concept of a decentralized digital currency that could be sent anonymously worldwide without the need for banks or national currencies. The true identity of Nakamoto has been a subject of speculation since they seemingly vanished in 2011.

Current State of Bitcoin

Despite the controversy surrounding its creator's identity, bitcoin has grown to become the world's most popular cryptocurrency. As of October 2025, one bitcoin was valued at over $100,000, showing significant growth over the years. However, the cryptocurrency remains a subject of debate, with supporters praising its independence from traditional financial systems and skeptics warning about its volatility and potential risks.

Reaction from Crypto Community

The verdict has been welcomed by many in the cryptocurrency community. Crypto exchanges, which had been rejecting Wright's claims, expressed relief at the court's decision. A spokesperson for a major cryptocurrency exchange emphasized Satoshi's vision of decentralization and the importance of bitcoin not being controlled by any single entity.

Conclusion

The high court's ruling marks a significant moment in the history of bitcoin and cryptocurrency. By rejecting Craig Wright's claim to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the court has not only settled a long-standing dispute but also protected the open-source nature of bitcoin development. This decision underscores the importance of truth and transparency in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, and may have far-reaching implications for future developments in this field. The question of who created bitcoin remains unanswered, adding to the mystique surrounding the world's first and most famous cryptocurrency.

FAQ

Who is the real founder of Bitcoin?

The real founder of Bitcoin remains unknown. Satoshi Nakamoto, a pseudonym, is credited as the creator, but their true identity has never been confirmed.

What if I invested $1000 in Bitcoin 5 years ago?

If you invested $1000 in Bitcoin 5 years ago, it would be worth approximately $9,784 today, showing a significant increase in value and outperforming typical stock market returns.

Who owns 90% of Bitcoin today?

No single entity owns 90% of Bitcoin. The largest holders include institutional investors and mining pools, but ownership is distributed among many participants.

Who is the richest Bitcoin owner?

Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin's creator, is believed to be the richest owner with an estimated 968,452 BTC, the largest known individual holding.