in recent years online fantasy sports ofs have become increasingly popular with millions of people in india participating in various games and tournaments now with the rise of nfts new companies are getting in on the action using nfts to enhance their gameplay experience nfts or nonfungible tokens are digital assets that are verified on a blockchain and have a unique identity that makes them irreplaceable these tokens have been used to create digital art music and even virtual real estate in the context of online fantasy sports nfts are being used to create unique player cards that can be traded bought and sold on various marketplaces in india ipl has become the new playground in india for players in online fantasy using nftin this context the recent delhi high court order on nfts in the rario vs striker case has widespread implications for the ofs as well as the web 3 sector the court ruled that nfts are a freely available technology and no one can claim exclusive rights over their use the delhi high court also ruled that the use of celebrity names and images for purposes such as satire parody art and news is protected under article 191a of the constitution and would not infringe the right to publicity this decision has significant implications for the use of player names and images by fantasy sports platformsthe courts decision is a welcome one as it upholds the principles of innovation and free access to technology it is essential to recognize that nfts are a technology that can be used for a variety of purposes from creating unique digital art to enhancing the experience of playing online games by stating that nfts are freely available the court has made it clear that no one can claim exclusive ownership over the technology or its usethe courts decision recognizes the importance of free speech and artistic expression in a democratic society it rightly notes that the use of celebrities names and images for purposes such as satire and art is a protected form of expression under the constitution this means that fantasy sports platforms can use player names and images for commercial gain as long as it is done within the boundaries of artistic expression and free speechthe court also correctly noted that there is no difference between ofs games with nftenabled player cards and ordinary ofs games when it comes to the use of a players name artistic impression or photograph the use of these elements is fundamental to the game and its enjoyment by players the fact that nfts are involved does not change this fundamental aspect of the gamethe delhi high courts order is a positive development for the nft industry and for technology in general it upholds the principles of innovation and free access to technology while also recognizing the value that nfts can bring to various industries as the use of nfts continues to grow it is important that courts and regulators continue to support their