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Overview

Token Layer uses several token primitives that work together to create a comprehensive tokenized ecosystem. Understanding these primitives is key to leveraging the full power of the platform.

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Core Primitives

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Coins

Coins are the primary tradeable tokens on Token Layer.

Coins

Standard fungible tokens that can be created, bought, sold, and traded across multiple chains.
Key Features:
  • Omnichain: Launch once, trade everywhere
  • Bonding Curve Launch: Start on Token Layer’s launchpad
  • DEX Graduation: Automatically migrate to Uniswap, PancakeSwap, or Meteora
  • Creator Fees: Earn from every trade
  • Referral Support: Token and protocol referrals built-in
Use Cases:
  • Meme coins and community tokens
  • Project tokens and utility tokens
  • Governance tokens
  • Social tokens for creators
  • Gaming and metaverse currencies
See How to Launch Tokens for creation details.

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IP (Intellectual Property)

IP tokens represent ownership rights to claim trading fees from coins.

IP Tokens

Non-fungible claim rights that entitle holders to a share of trading fees generated by specific coins.
Key Features:
  • Fee Accrual: Automatically accumulate trading fees
  • Claimable Rewards: Withdraw accumulated fees anytime
  • Transferable: Can be bought, sold, or transferred
  • Perpetual: Continue earning as long as coin is traded
  • Proportional: Share of fees based on IP holdings
How IP Works:
  1. Creation: IP is minted when a coin is created
  2. Distribution: Can be distributed to early supporters, investors, or kept by creator
  3. Fee Generation: Every trade generates fees
  4. Accumulation: Fees accumulate to IP holders
  5. Claiming: Holders claim accumulated fees periodically
Fee Distribution Example: If a coin has 10,000 IP tokens and you hold 100 (1%):
  • Coin generates $1,000 in trading fees
  • Your share: $10 (1% of total fees)
  • Claim anytime via the platform or API
Use Cases:
  • Funding token launches (sell IP to investors)
  • Rewarding early supporters
  • Creating passive income streams
  • Incentivizing liquidity providers
  • Building sustainable token economies
API Integration:

Get Fee Balances

Check accumulated fees

Claim Fees

Withdraw fee rewards

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Roles

Roles are tokens used to curate an onchain social graph and gate access to platform utilities.

Roles

Utility tokens that grant special privileges and access to exclusive features on Token Layer.
Key Features:
  • Access Control: Gate participation in exclusive activities
  • Social Curation: Build verified networks and communities
  • Utility Unlocks: Access special features and launches
  • Reputation Signal: Demonstrate credibility and involvement
  • Composable: Use across different platform features
Role-Gated Utilities: New Token Launches:
  • Early access to pre-launch tokens
  • Whitelist spots for popular launches
  • Reduced fees for launch participants
  • Priority allocation in oversubscribed launches
Exclusive Features:
  • Priority trading execution
  • Advanced analytics and insights
  • API rate limit increases
  • Beta feature access
Community Benefits:
  • Verified participant status
  • Enhanced voting weight
  • Exclusive group access
  • Direct creator communication
How Roles Work:
  1. Acquisition: Roles are distributed through various mechanisms:
    • Earned through platform activity
    • Granted by token creators
    • Purchased in specific sales
    • Awarded for achievements
  2. Usage: Hold roles to access gated features:
    • System checks role balance
    • Minimum threshold required for access
    • Real-time verification onchain
  3. Composability: Same role can unlock multiple features:
    • Single role, multiple utilities
    • Stackable benefits with more roles
    • Cross-platform integration potential
Example Scenario: A new high-demand token is launching with 10,000 tokens available:
  • Without Roles: Public sale, FCFS, high competition
  • With Roles: Whitelist access, guaranteed allocation, better pricing
Holding specific roles gives you early or exclusive access to participate. Use Cases:
  • Whitelist access for token launches
  • Gated trading opportunities
  • Exclusive community features
  • Verified user networks
  • Reputation systems
Roles create a merit-based system where active, valuable community members gain increasing access to platform benefits.

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Primitive Interactions

These primitives work together to create a comprehensive ecosystem:

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Coin + IP

  • Create coin → Generate IP → Sell IP to fund development
  • Coin trades → IP holders earn fees → Sustainable revenue

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Coin + Roles

  • Popular coin launch → Require roles for access → Reward active users
  • Role holders get better pricing or guaranteed allocation

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IP + Roles

  • IP holders may receive roles automatically
  • Roles may grant bonus IP allocations
  • Combined to create sophisticated incentive structures

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All Three Together

  • Launch coin with role-gated access
  • Distribute IP to role holders as reward
  • Coin trades generate fees for IP holders
  • Create self-sustaining token economy

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Technical Implementation

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Onchain vs Offchain

Onchain:
  • Coins: Fully onchain ERC-20/SPL tokens
  • IP: Onchain claim rights with smart contract enforcement
  • Roles: Onchain tokens with utility verification
Smart Contract Verified:
  • All primitives use audited contracts (post-audit)
  • Decentralized and trustless
  • Transparent and verifiable
API Access: All primitives are accessible via Token Layer API for programmatic integration.

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Token Standards

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EVM Chains

  • Coins: ERC-20 standard
  • IP: Custom implementation with ERC-20 compatibility
  • Roles: ERC-721 (NFT) or ERC-20 based on use case

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Solana

  • Coins: SPL Token standard
  • IP: Custom program with SPL compatibility
  • Roles: SPL Token or Metaplex NFT

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Future Primitives

Token Layer may introduce additional primitives:
  • Credentials: Soulbound tokens for reputation
  • Achievements: Gamified accomplishment tracking
  • Governance: Voting power tokens
  • Staking: Lockup mechanisms for enhanced rewards

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Developer Integration

All primitives are designed for easy integration: 
// Example: Check if user has required role
const hasRole = await checkRoleBalance(userAddress, requiredRoleId);

// Example: Claim IP fees
const claimResult = await claimFees(coinId, ipTokenId);

// Example: Get coin details
const coin = await getCoinDetails(coinAddress);
See API Reference for complete integration docs.

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Economic Design

The primitive system creates sustainable token economies:
  1. Coins provide utility and tradability
  2. IP aligns creator incentives with token success
  3. Roles reward participation and curation
  4. Together: Self-sustaining ecosystem with proper incentives

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Need Help?

Click the chat icon in the bottom right corner for questions about token primitives.