Catenaa, Tuesday, February 10, 2026-Story has delayed the initial unlock of all previously locked $IP tokens by six months, pushing the first release date to August 13, 2026, as the network adjusts its strategy around emerging AI-driven use cases.
The change applies to tokens held by investors, team members and early contributors. Story said no new liquidity from locked tokens will enter circulation before the revised date. The update does not alter total token supply, individual allocations, vesting schedules or legal ownership.
The decision follows Story’s mainnet launch and comes amid growing activity at the intersection of intellectual property and artificial intelligence. The company said evolving use cases and broader market conditions have reshaped product priorities, partnerships and execution as it works toward sustainable revenue and long-term network growth.
Story has recently implemented governance proposals SIP-00009 and SIP-00010, which adjust emissions and staking incentives. Under the changes, staking rewards tied to locked tokens have been reduced, while incentives increasingly favor unlocked and active participation. Lower staking thresholds and fees are also intended to broaden access across the network.
The delayed unlock is expected to slow the pace at which circulating supply increases during the extension period. Story said the approach is designed to reduce inflationary pressure while supporting a healthier distribution of stake as the network matures. Actual circulating supply will still depend on activity levels and staking behavior.
To enforce the revised timeline, Story introduced an automated smart contract mechanism reflecting the new lockup terms. The company said it does not gain custody of wallets or the ability to move tokens.
Story is an AI-native blockchain focused on programmable intellectual property, licensing and monetization, and is backed by investors including a16z crypto, Polychain Capital and Samsung Ventures.
