Grayscale Launches Story Trust to Tap Tokenized IP Market

Grayscale has introduced the Story Protocol Trust, an investment vehicle that provides accredited investors with exposure to the $IP token, native to the Story Protocol. The trust, launched on July 31, 2025, is designed to align with the growing need for blockchain-based intellectual property (IP) management in the AI era. By tokenizing IP rights, the platform aims to offer a programmable, transparent infrastructure for digital rights and licensing [1].

The Story Protocol Trust mirrors Grayscale’s existing structure for BTC and ETH single-asset vehicles, allowing investors to subscribe daily. The product is intended for accredited investors only, in line with SEC Rule 501(a), and reflects Grayscale’s ongoing strategy to expand into emerging digital asset markets [2]. CEO Michael Sonnenshein emphasized that the initiative aligns with the transformative potential of generative AI and the need for on-chain copyright solutions [3].

Market activity following the launch was significant. The $IP token rose by approximately 7–10%, reaching $6.52 within a week, with total trading volume exceeding $100 million. The token’s market cap surged to over $1.8 billion, indicating strong institutional interest and confidence in the tokenized IP model [4].

Grayscale has not yet disclosed any updates regarding SEC filings or broader regulatory developments, though the firm notes historical precedents for similar trusts in its portfolio. The move into the IP management sector highlights the growing economic significance of digital rights, with the sector potentially valued in the tens of trillions of dollars [5].

The Story Protocol is being positioned as a foundational layer for AI-driven IP licensing and digital rights management. As AI and information economies continue to evolve, the demand for infrastructure to manage digital assets is expected to rise. Grayscale’s entry into the space could further legitimize the $IP token and attract broader investor attention [6].

Source:

[1] Grayscale® Launches Grayscale® Story Trust – GlobeNewswire

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/31/3125065/0/en/Grayscale-Launches-Grayscale-Story-Trust.html

[2] Grayscale Launches Trust for Story Protocol to Tap Into ... – CoinDesk

https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/07/31/grayscale-launches-trust-for-story-protocol-to-tap-into-usd80t-intellectual-property-market

[3] Grayscale® Launches Grayscale® Story Trust – GlobeNewswire

[4] Grayscale Launches Story Trust, Adding Tokenized IP to Its ... – The Defiant

https://thedefiant.io/news/tradfi-and-fintech/grayscale-launches-story-trust-adding-tokenized-ip-to-its-lineup-of-crypto-investment-products

[5] Grayscale - X

https://x.com/grayscale?lang=en

[6] Grayscale Launches New Trust Offering Exposure to ... – CryptoDnes.bg

https://cryptodnes.bg/en/grayscale-launches-new-trust-offering-exposure-to-programmable-ip-token/