Story Protocol Unveils IP Token for Monetizing and Protecting Digital Assets

Story Protocol Announces Mainnet Launch and IP Token

Story Protocol has confirmed its mainnet will go live on February 13. Alongside the launch, its native token, IP, will become available. The token will help creators monetize their content and protect their digital assets. This launch represents a major milestone for decentralized IP ownership.

Story shared the news in a post on X on February 11. The IP token will support transactions, governance voting, and payments for creators. The launch will begin with a staking period called “Singularity.” During this phase, users can stake their tokens to earn rewards.

Source: X

A total of 1 billion IP tokens will be in circulation. Rewards will start being distributed on March 2 after the staking phase ends. This distribution model is designed to incentivize early participation.

Several major exchanges have already announced they will list the IP token. These include Bitget, Bithumb, Bybit, KuCoin, Coinbase, and OKX. The listings will provide liquidity and accessibility for users looking to trade or acquire IP tokens.

Story's mainnet launch is a step toward decentralized IP ownership. The protocol provides an open market for IP where rights holders can register their content. They can also set terms for usage and payments. Fees are paid in crypto, but creators can withdraw earnings in their local currency. This model ensures transparent and fair compensation for digital creators.

With Story Protocol, creators can register their work on the blockchain. They can set up automated licensing and revenue-sharing models. They will receive payments directly without intermediaries and can better protect their work from unauthorized use. The blockchain-based system ensures that ownership and payments are verifiable and immutable.

Origins of Story Protocol

Story was founded in 2022 by Jason Zhao, a former Google DeepMind product manager. He saw issues with AI remixing content without compensating creators. Zhao aimed to develop a solution that allows IP holders to benefit from their work in the evolving digital landscape.

Source: X

Story Protocol believes IP will be essential in the AI era. On February 7, the project highlighted how tokenizing IP could contribute to a $61 trillion market. This approach enables IP assets to be used in new, innovative ways.

Over 50 apps are already using the protocol. One of them, Magma, has 2.5 million users and allows teams to collaborate on digital art in real time. The adoption of Story Protocol is growing, demonstrating the demand for decentralized IP management.

In December, Story introduced a framework for AI agents to interact onchain. The system, called ACTP/IP, enables secure IP management. AI agents can exchange data and receive compensation automatically. This system creates new possibilities for AI-driven content creation and licensing.

Story Protocol has received support from major venture capital firms. Among the investors are Samsung Next, Hashed, Polychain Capital, and Andreessen Horowitz. In May 2023, the initiative received $29 million during a seed investment round. In September 2023, it raised $25 million for Series A funding, and in August 2024, it raised $80 million in Series B funding.  This strong financial backing highlights the confidence investors have in Story Protocol’s vision and potential.

With its upcoming mainnet launch and strong industry support, Story Protocol is set to revolutionize how digital creators manage and monetize their intellectual property.