Getting Started with Medialane
Medialane is an open protocol for intellectual property registration, licensing, and trade on Starknet Mainnet. Every asset you create is a programmable NFT with Berne Convention-backed copyright proof valid in 181 countries.
Prerequisites
- A Starknet wallet (Argent X or Braavos — browser extensions) or a social/email account via the Medialane app (Privy login, no seed phrase required)
- No ETH or STRK needed to start — Medialane sponsors all gas fees for creator actions via Starknet's native paymaster
Step 1: Open the App
Navigate to medialane.io. Connect your wallet or log in with email. First-time users are walked through wallet creation automatically.
Step 2: Create a Collection (optional but recommended)
Before minting individual assets, creators typically deploy a collection — a branded smart contract that groups related work.
Go to → Launchpad → Create Collection
Two collection formats are available:
| Format | Standard | Best for | |--------|----------|----------| | ERC-721 Collection | One token = one asset | Photography, digital art, 1-of-1s | | ERC-1155 Edition | One token = multiple copies | Music, publications, limited editions |
Collections are deployed as Cairo smart contracts on Starknet. Metadata resolves from IPFS — permanent and censorship-resistant.
Step 3: Mint an IP Asset
Go to → Create → Mint IP Asset
Each asset requires:
- Title and description
- Media file — uploaded to IPFS via Pinata (image, audio, video, document)
- IP Type — choose from 12 categories: Art, Music, Photography, Writing, Film, Software, Brand, Design, Research, Education, Game, Other
- License — select from Creative Commons presets or define custom terms (commercial use, derivative rights, AI training policy, geographic scope, royalty %)
After signing, the mint transaction is submitted gaslessly. The IPFS CID and Starknet transaction hash together form your immutable copyright proof.
Step 4: List or License
Once your asset exists on-chain, you have three monetization paths:
- Fixed-price listing — set a price in USDC, USDT, ETH, STRK, or WBTC
- Offer & negotiate — receive bids from buyers; accept, counter, or decline
- Remix licensing — enable other creators to build on your work with automatic on-chain attribution
See the Marketplace guide for full trading mechanics.
Fee Structure
| Action | Fee | |--------|-----| | Mint IP asset | Free (gas sponsored) | | Create collection | Free (gas sponsored) | | List for sale | Free (gas sponsored) | | Make offer | Free (gas sponsored) | | Buy / sell | 1% platform fee on transaction value | | Remix license | Custom (set by original creator) |
The 1% marketplace fee flows to the Medialane DAO treasury and is governed by MDLN token holders.
Networks
| Chain | Purpose | |-------|---------| | Starknet Mainnet | All IP assets, marketplace, collections, launchpad | | Ethereum Mainnet | MDLN governance token, Gnosis Safe treasury |
MDLN can be bridged from Ethereum to Starknet via StarkGate and traded on Starknet via Ekubo.
Wallet Options
| Wallet | Type | Notes | |--------|------|-------| | Argent X | Browser extension | Full Starknet support, recommended for power users | | Braavos | Browser extension | Full Starknet support | | Privy (email/social) | Custodial | No seed phrase, best for onboarding new creators | | Cartridge Controller | Session-key | Gasless session-authenticated actions |