# Dfinity Founder Accuses Near Protocol of Stealing Tech

> Dfinity founder claims NEAR Protocol copied its signature cross-chain tech without permission.
- Title: Dfinity Founder Accuses Near Protocol of Stealing Tech
- Summary: Dfinity founder claims NEAR Protocol copied its signature cross-chain tech without permission. Dfinity founder Dominic Williams alleges NEAR Protocol stole…
- Keywords: dfinity, near protocol, chain signatures, threshold ecdsa, icp transaction metrics, neer protocol chain signatures licensing, startups, business, Founder, Accuses, Near, Protocol
- Source: Startup Fortune — https://startupfortune.com/dfinity-founder-accuses-near-protocol-of-stealing-its-signature-tech
- Published: 2026-10-22T21:03:47+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dfinity, near protocol, chain signatures, threshold ecdsa, icp transaction metrics, neer protocol chain signatures licensing, startups, business
## Dfinity Founder Accuses NEAR Protocol
Dominic Williams, founder of DFINITY and Internet Computer, claims NEAR Protocol stole Chain Signatures and NEAR Intents from DFINITY's exclusive license.

> carries civil and criminal legal implications
## NEAR Token Surges 5%
NEAR's token rose roughly 5% the same day, according to Kucoin, after Williams' accusation.
## Threshold ECDSA Scheme
A 2021 cryptography paper by DFINITY researchers describes a threshold ECDSA scheme that speeds up transaction signing by three times without weakening security.
## NEAR Adopted the Tech
Williams says NEAR has used the same mechanism for about two and a half years, with GitHub records to support it.
## NEAR Swaps Algorithm
NEAR is now trying to swap in a different algorithm, which Williams frames as covering its tracks rather than a routine upgrade.
## Former Staffers Tied to Harm
Williams alleged NEAR employed people DFINITY fired in the summer of 2021, linked to multiple attempts that harmed the project.
## No Public Rebuttal
As of this writing, NEAR Foundation has not issued a public rebuttal to Williams' claims.
## Key takeaway

Dfinity founder Dominic Williams alleges NEAR Protocol stole Chain Signatures and NEAR Intents from Dfinity's exclusive license, citing legal risks and technical claims.