Uniswap Proposes DUNI Legal Entity Under Wyoming DUNA Law

Uniswap Foundation is proposing to establish a legal entity under Wyoming’s DUNA (Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Association) framework, named DUNI, to provide a recognized structure for its decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) governance [1]. The initiative aims to enhance the DAO’s operational capacity, legal protections, and ability to engage in contracts and manage taxes, while preserving its decentralized nature [2]. The move reflects a broader effort by blockchain-based organizations to navigate regulatory environments in jurisdictions like Wyoming, which have pioneered laws supporting decentralized structures [3].

Under the proposed model, DUNI will operate as a legal entity incorporated in Wyoming, aligning with the state’s DUNA law enacted in 2024. The law supports decentralized organizations by allowing them to function with legal recognition while maintaining autonomy. Uniswap has been consulting legal experts and policymakers to ensure the structure is compatible with its goals of decentralization and permissionless governance [4]. The proposal also aligns with federal legislation such as the CLARITY Act, which seeks to provide regulatory clarity for digital assets and DAOs [5].

A key component of the proposal involves transferring $16.5 million worth of UNI tokens to a DUNI-owned wallet for legal and tax purposes once the entity is approved [6]. This would enable the DAO to manage treasury operations more effectively and potentially activate protocol fees to generate additional revenue. The move could set a precedent for other DAOs seeking to operate under recognized legal frameworks without sacrificing decentralization [7].

The establishment of DUNI is expected to provide legal protections for Uniswap participants, reducing personal liability for governance decisions. This could increase confidence in the DAO’s operations and encourage broader participation in governance voting. It also allows Uniswap to function legally within the U.S. while maintaining its decentralized structure [1].

Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis has expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the state’s leadership in creating blockchain-friendly legislation. She praised lawmakers for developing frameworks that support decentralized organizations and emphasized the importance of such measures in positioning the U.S. as a leader in blockchain innovation [4]. Lummis’ endorsement may help accelerate the adoption of the DUNA model by other blockchain entities.

If approved, Uniswap Governance would become the largest DAO operating under the DUNA framework. This could open new opportunities for partnerships and agreements with developers and service providers, as well as provide a blueprint for other DAOs aiming to achieve legal recognition and operational sustainability [5]. The proposal also outlines a path toward greater autonomy for the DAO, with plans to integrate tools for autonomous protocol and treasury management over time [6].

The proposal is currently under review by the Uniswap governance community, with comprehensive documentation available for public scrutiny. If successful, DUNI could influence the global development of DAOs by demonstrating how decentralized governance can coexist with clear legal structures [7].

Source:

[1] Uniswap Moves to Form DUNI Legal Entity Under Wyoming DUNA Law (https://blockonomi.com/uniswap-moves-to-form-duni-legal-entity-under-wyoming-duna-law/)

[2] Uniswap Proposes DUNI Legal Entity in Wyoming (https://coingape.com/uniswap-proposes-duni-legal-entity-in-wyoming/)

[3] Uniswap Foundation Introduces Proposal For DUNI Legal Entity (https://blockzeit.com/uniswap-foundation-introduces-proposal-for-duni-legal-entity/)

[4] Uniswap Foundation Proposes Wyoming Entity Dubbed (https://coinpedia.org/news/uniswap-foundation-proposes-wyoming-based-legal-entity-dubbed-duni-uni-price-up-2-today/)

[5] Uniswap Foundation Proposes Wyoming Legal Entity to (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/08/12/uniswap-foundation-proposes-wyoming-legal-entity-to-protect-dao/)

[6] Uniswap Foundation eyes protocol fee switch with (https://www.theblock.co/post/366257/uniswap-foundation-eyes-protocol-fee-switch-with-proposed-wyoming-duna-wrapper-for-its-dao)

[7] Establish Uniswap Governance as “DUNI,” a Wyoming DUNA (https://gov.uniswap.org/t/rfc-establish-uniswap-governance-as-duni-a-wyoming-duna/25770)