Photo of Thomas Dockery

Thomas is an associate in the firm’s Corporate practice. He received his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where he served as senior editor of the Journal of Business Law.

The digital asset landscape took a leap forward this summer when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit confirmed[1] that nonfungible tokens (NFTs) qualify for trademark protection under the Lanham Act.[2] This decision, centered on the Bored Ape Yacht Club’s collection of 10,000 distinctive digital ape NFTs, signals a new era for both intellectual property and secured lending.

The landscape of subscription line lending is undergoing significant transformation, with both private credit funds (PCFs) and traditional banks playing crucial roles. PCFs, which pool capital from institutional and high-net-worth investors, are increasingly becoming key players in providing credit facilities to private equity firms, secured by investor commitments. This shift introduces new dynamics alongside traditional banks, which have historically dominated this space. While PCFs offer greater flexibility and customized financial solutions due to fewer regulatory constraints, traditional banks bring extensive experience and stability, relying on deposits and adhering to regulatory requirements. Together, these entities are reshaping the subscription line market, offering diverse options for borrowers.