- Metaplex plans to transfer over 54,000 unclaimed SOL to its DAO treasury after April 25, 2025.
- Burwick Law warns this move may violate consumer protection laws and erode user trust.
- Only a small fraction of the eligible SOL has been reclaimed by users so far.
Metaplex, a leading NFT protocol on Solana, is under fire for planning to redirect unclaimed SOL tokens—worth approximately $7.3 million—into its decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) treasury.
Burwick Law’s open letter, published April 22, asserts that the DAO’s proposed sweep undermines the decentralized values it claims to uphold. They argue that rent was paid by users to keep NFTs active on-chain—not to fund the DAO’s future initiatives.
Web3 on Trial: Metaplex’s SOL Sweep Sparks Legal and Ethical Debate
Metaplex’s decision to automatically transfer unclaimed SOL from NFT metadata accounts into its DAO treasury is creating waves in the crypto space. While framed as a way to optimize on-chain efficiency, critics argue that users were not given sufficient notice. They were unclear regarding their eligibility or the consequences of inaction. At the core of the issue lies over 54,000 SOL—most of which remains unclaimed.
Burwick Law, representing concerned NFT holders, has taken a public stand against this action. Their argument extends beyond technicality; they say it breaches fundamental consumer protections and could be seen as unjust enrichment. They liken the action to altering smart contract terms after user funds have already been committed.
The firm recommends Metaplex revise its plan by pausing the sweep and refunding rent directly to eligible users. They suggest keeping only a small percentage for operational costs. According to Burwick, this approach would show that the ecosystem is capable of self-regulation. This would avoid government interference and legal action. The letter emphasized that similar DeFi situations have been resolved through user-first transparency.
Despite the mounting pressure and media attention, Metaplex has remained silent. This silence is seen by many as risky in a decentralized ecosystem built on trust and community governance. As the April 2025 deadline approaches, eyes across the Web3 space are watching how the situation unfolds. They see it as a litmus test for DAO accountability.
The Metaplex controversy isn’t just about unclaimed funds—it’s a reflection of how decentralized protocols must balance innovation with user rights. Otherwise, they risk losing both trust and credibility.
“Rent was paid so NFTs could live on-chain, not to bankroll a future windfall.”
