Noel Lovisa Appeals Bitcoin Cash City Trademark Decision in Ongoing Dispute

The dispute over intellectual property linked to the Bitcoin Cash (BCH) cryptocurrency originating from events in Townsville, Australia, where early conferences and local adoption led to the area being dubbed “Bitcoin Cash City” has entered a new phase.

The prolonged legal conflict centers on the “Bitcoin Cash City” trademark and associated assets, as Noel Lovisa, CEO of Code Valley, appeals a recent ruling to the Federal Court of Australia. Lovisa has repeatedly attempted to claim ownership of the trademark, domain names such as bitcoincashcity.com, and other assets, but courts have consistently ruled against him.

The dispute began years ago when Lovisa sought to transfer domains and trademarks, arguing they were registered in bad faith. Under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), his claims were dismissed, marking an initial defeat. Despite this setback, Lovisa continued his efforts, leading to further proceedings in Australian trademark offices.

The individual behind Bitcoin Cash City has successfully defended these assets multiple times. His efforts trace back to promoting BCH adoption in Townsville through conferences and community initiatives. He maintains that the nickname and related branding emerged from these grassroots activities, not from any prior claims by Lovisa or his companies.

Lovisa’s attempts have included a WIPO complaint over the domain bitcoincashcity.com, which failed to secure the transfer. BCH Pacific Limited, associated with Lovisa, was part of the original complaint, but the panel found insufficient evidence of bad faith registration. This pattern of unsuccessful challenges has continued, with Lovisa facing criticism for escalating costs without clear justification.

Settlement offers from the owner have been on the table since December 2021, including proposals to transfer assets like the domain and a YouTube channel at no cost, provided Lovisa ceased further actions. These were rejected, leading to prolonged litigation. The owner has expressed frustration over the repeated rejections, noting that they came even after Lovisa’s initial losses.

Recent Ruling and Appeal

In July 2025, the Registrar of Trademarks ruled against Lovisa in his opposition to the trademark application, failing on every ground raised. Lovisa submitted over 1,000 pages of evidence and engaged a barrister alongside solicitors, yet the decision favored the owner, who responded with just 150 pages through a single solicitor. The ruling also ordered Lovisa to cover costs, adding to his financial burden from previous defeats.

Lovisa filed an appeal to the Federal Court of Australia shortly after. This move marks the third major legal arena for the dispute, following WIPO and the Australian Trademarks Office. The owner remains confident that the appeal will uphold the registrar’s decision, potentially strengthening his position for future claims.

The appeal process could involve cross-examination, where Lovisa would need to testify directly, rather than relying solely on legal representatives. The owner has indicated interest in this aspect, viewing it as an opportunity for greater transparency. He has also hinted at pursuing countermeasures, such as actions against alleged ongoing infringements and seeking damages for years of legal harassment.

The owner’s defense has been consistent, emphasizing his original contributions to the “Bitcoin Cash City” concept through events and marketing. Lovisa’s persistence, despite repeated losses, raises questions about strategy and resources in such battles. The Federal Court’s involvement may finally bring resolution to this protracted conflict.

This case highlights broader issues in crypto communities, where branding and intellectual property often intersect with decentralized projects. Townsville’s role as a hub for Bitcoin Cash adoption adds a local dimension to what has become an international legal matter. As the appeal progresses, stakeholders in the BCH ecosystem will be watching closely for its impact.