The legal battle over the Wu-Tang Clan album Once Upon A Time In Shaolin escalates as Shkreli files a countersuit alleging that RZA and Cilvaringz double-sold the album’s copyright, including a claimed 50% future copyright stake granted to him in 2103 under his original deal, a stake that PleasrDAO had separately acquired for $750,000.

The case continues to be viewed against Shkreli’s notoriety, influencing public and legal perspectives on the matter.

PleasrDAO had previously purchased the album for about $4 million in 2021 after Shkreli relinquished ownership to satisfy a forfeiture from his 2017 conviction.

Shkreli, the former pharma executive known as the “pharma bro,” remains at the center of a high-profile dispute over the one-of-a-kind album, which was never intended for public release.

RZA and Cilvaringz have not publicly commented on the countersuit.

Both sides are seeking damages and profits, with unspecified amounts, in the ongoing lawsuits.

PleasrDAO’s attorney argues that Shkreli’s counterclaims are distractions that the court has historically rejected.

The broader litigation centers on ownership and exclusivity of a single-copy album, highlighting ongoing fights over rights and control.

PleasrDAO’s counsel contends that Shkreli’s strategy is to delay and that the court has previously dismissed similar moves.

The case is in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, with Shkreli filing a brief in response to PleasrDAO’s lawsuit.

A prior ruling allowed PleasrDAO to pursue the suit, emphasizing the album’s value lies in the exclusive experience it can offer and its potential to be shared with fans through NFT-related initiatives.

PleasrDAO members discussed plans to involve fans via NFT-related initiatives as part of returning the work to the public.