NFT Lawsuit Against Dolce & Gabbana Hits Setback

Key Takeaways

• A U.S. judge has dismissed Dolce & Gabbana USA from a class-action NFT lawsuit.
• The lawsuit accused the fashion house of abandoning its DGFamily NFT project and misusing over $25 million in funds.
• The court found no evidence that Dolce & Gabbana USA was involved in the NFT campaign or that it acted as an “alter ego” of its Italian parent.
• Remaining defendants, including UNXD Inc. and Bluebear Italia SRL, have yet to be served.
• The case’s viability now hinges on the plaintiffs’ ability to pursue claims outside the U.S.

NFT Lawsuit Dismissed Over Abandoned Project

On July 12th, 2025, Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald of the U.S. District Court in New York sided with Dolce & Gabbana USA Inc., ruling that the American entity was not legally responsible for the actions of its Italian parent company, Dolce & Gabbana SRL.

Source: The Cryptocurrency Post

The plaintiffs, a group of NFT buyers, claimed that both the U.S. and Italian arms of the fashion house operated as a single entity, failing to provide the full scope of promised perks under the DGFamily NFT project. They alleged that the company retained over $25 million in funds while underdelivering on its commitments.

Overview Of The NFT Lawsuit

Background Of The DGFamily NFT Project

The DGFamily NFT project, launched in 2022, was marketed as an exclusive digital experience offering quarterly benefits over two years. These benefits were to include:

• Digital fashion items for the Decentraland metaverse
• Physical Dolce & Gabbana merchandise
• Access to live events and other VIP experiences

The project was created in collaboration with UNXD Inc., a Dubai-based NFT marketplace, and Bluebear Italia SRL, associated with the “inBetweeners” NFT collection.

Allegations Made By Plaintiffs

The plaintiffs accused Dolce & Gabbana of:

• Abandoning the DGFamily project without delivering all promised benefits
• Failing to separate the roles of its U.S. and Italian entities in legal terms
• Retaining millions from NFT sales without issuing refunds

However, the court noted that UNXD Inc. and Bluebear Italia SRL, who were also named in the suit, had not been properly served with legal notice, further complicating the case.

Court’s Analysis & Ruling

Lack Of Distinction Between Corporate Entities

Judge Buchwald criticized the lawsuit for failing to differentiate between Dolce & Gabbana USA and its Italian parent company, instead referring to both collectively as “Dolce & Gabbana.”

An Excerpt Of Judge Buchwald’s Statement

Source: CourtListener

In Buchwald’s words:

“The complaint is plainly insufficient… it attributes all misconduct to this shared moniker.”

 

No Sufficient Evidence Of Control Or Collaboration

While the amended complaint alleged overlap in executive leadership, office space, and shared personnel, the judge emphasized that the plaintiffs failed to provide:

• Specific examples of executive involvement in the NFT project
• Proof that the Italian company “completely dominated” the U.S. entity

As a result, the judge found the claims inadequately pleaded and dismissed the case against Dolce & Gabbana USA.

FAQ

What is the DGFamily NFT project?

The DGFamily project was an NFT initiative launched in 2022 by Dolce & Gabbana and UNXD. It promised buyers quarterly benefits over two years, including digital and physical perks.

Why was Dolce & Gabbana USA dismissed from the lawsuit?

The U.S. court ruled that Dolce & Gabbana USA operated independently from its Italian parent and was not shown to be directly involved in the NFT project.

What happens to the NFT lawsuit now?

The case may not proceed unless the plaintiffs successfully serve the remaining foreign defendants and provide stronger evidence of their involvement in the alleged wrongdoing.

Are NFT buyers eligible for refunds?

As of now, there is no court ruling mandating refunds. Buyers would need to wait for further legal developments or pursue individual claims if applicable.

Who else was named in the lawsuit?

Apart from Dolce & Gabbana USA, the lawsuit named Dubai-based UNXD Inc. and Italy-based Bluebear Italia SRL, neither of which have been served with the complaint yet.