The “Own The Doge” DAO, which oversees the intellectual property (IP) related to the Doge meme, has announced the results of a community vote to determine the future of Neiro’s IP. The vote concluded with Neiro CTO securing an overwhelming majority, earning 92.14% of the total votes.

The exclusive licensing agreement grants Neiro CTO the rights to Neiro’s likeness and branding until February 1, 2027.

This decision comes after months of discussions and deliberations about how to manage Neiro’s growing popularity while protecting the interests of Atsuko Sato, the owner of Neiro and the late Kabosu, the original Doge meme mascot.

A Move to Protect Neiro’s Legacy

Neiro, the Shiba Inu adopted by Atsuko Sato in 2023, quickly became a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world. Following Neiro’s adoption, multiple unauthorized tokens surfaced, attempting to capitalize on the dog’s image and story. This prompted the “Own The Doge” DAO to step in and provide a solution to prevent further exploitation.

The DAO’s stated goal was to ensure that Atsuko receives the recognition and financial benefits associated with Neiro’s cultural significance. By granting the license to a legitimate project, the DAO aims to establish trust and clarity while preventing misuse of the Neiro brand.

Details of the Vote

The community vote, conducted on January 20, 2025, offered four paths forward:

1. Neiro CTO: The most established project
2. Neiro Woof: A smaller, community-focused token
3. Launch a New Token: A proposal for the DAO to create its own token for Neiro.
4. Do Nothing: Leave the situation unchanged.

Neiro CTO won decisively, with competing options receiving minimal support:

• Neiro CTO: 92.14%
• Neiro Woof: 4%
• Launch a New Token: 2%
• Do Nothing: 0.99%

What Neiro CTO Offered

Neiro CTO’s proposal included a comprehensive plan to utilize the Neiro IP while providing financial benefits to both Atsuko Sato and the DAO. Key commitments from Neiro CTO’s offer include:

• DOG Token Investments: Immediate purchase and locking of 1% of the DOG token supply, with additional purchases planned for 2025 and 2026.
• Revenue Sharing: 20% of all commercial profits from Neiro-related ventures (e.g., merchandise and NFTs) to be split equally between Atsuko and the DAO.
• Event Sponsorship: A $50,000 sponsorship for Doge Day celebrations, promoting Atsuko and the Doge legacy.
• Marketing Support: Assistance with marketing and content collaboration to expand the reach of Neiro’s brand.

This well-rounded proposal positioned Neiro CTO as the clear choice for the community, earning its landslide victory.

What the License Means for Neiro CTO

With the exclusive license, Neiro CTO now has the legal right to use Neiro’s likeness and brand until February 2027. The agreement provides Neiro CTO with a unique opportunity to align itself with the Doge legacy while exploring new ventures, including merchandise, NFTs, and promotional campaigns.

The licensing deal also brings clarity to the crypto community, establishing Neiro CTO as the official token associated with Neiro.

The Role of the “Own The Doge” DAO

The “Own The Doge” DAO was instrumental in facilitating the vote and securing the Neiro IP. By acquiring the rights to Neiro’s image, the DAO ensured that decisions about the dog’s branding were made transparently and democratically.

In a statement, the DAO emphasized its commitment to protecting Atsuko Sato’s legacy while avoiding conflicts with unauthorized projects:

“We have always made it our goal to give Atsuko the recognition and benefits she deserves from the cultural phenomenon she created. This involves preventing bad actors from taking advantage of her.”

The DAO also noted that the licensing agreement avoids potential legal disputes, which could have been perceived as anti-decentralization and sparked backlash.

What’s Next for Neiro CTO?

With the license secured, Neiro CTO plans to deliver on its commitments, including DOG token purchases, revenue sharing, and event sponsorships. The project also aims to expand its reach through marketing and collaborations, leveraging its association with the Doge legacy to attract new investors and supporters.

The license will remain in effect until 2027, after which it will be renegotiated.