Many people think that NFTs are just digital collectibles that can be found on blockchains which can then be traded on NFT marketplaces for money.
Fortunately, there is more to NFTs and their potential impact in the real world than what numerous NFT art for beginners’ articles online continue to convey to readers.
As of May 2025, global NFT market sales have surpassed $70 billion. Although sales have come purely from digital collectibles, there are real-world NFT use cases out there that could revolutionise how essential parts of everyday lives could be improved.
Some of the industries where there are use cases for NFTs include music, fashion (luxury goods), the metaverse, supply chains, ticket sales, real estate, and intellectual property.
Aside from the aforementioned industries, the potential of NFTs and their mainstream acceptance in the future can impact other industries positively.
NFTs in Music
Music is one of the essential parts of the arts industry. Artists in the 21st century constitute a great part of the entertainment industry, where billions of dollars are made through performing across the globe, and new music is added to an already booming catalogue of creative arts.
NFTs are one of the areas in blockchain technology that can change the music industry, and here is how.
Artists can use NFTs to tokenise their songs and albums. NFTs can also be used to sell digital merchandise, which can provide an additional source of income for artists.
Although there have been thousands of successful artists throughout the years, many more could not break through into the mainstream due to a lack of producers to get their music out there.
Fortunately, NFTs have found a way to decentralise the music industry where creators and artists can reach a direct market without going through any intermediaries such as record labels and others. The resultant effect has been the provision of direct royalties to creators of art.
Examples of NFTs in the Music Industry
A great example of this can be attributed to NFT star Daniel Allan, who is seen as Web3’s first breakout music act. Daniel Allan took advantage of the possibilities of NFTs and created Music NFTs which were limited to 1,000 unique tokens.
In July 2022, he was surprised to see that his 1,000 NFTs, which he labelled ‘Glass House’, had been sold out. Within 24 hours of tokenising his creation, Allan made around 72 ether (ETH), which at the time was worth $136,000.
Allan Daniel achieved this without having to create a marketing campaign on TikTok. Neither did he have to embark on an extensive promotion on YouTube or via traditional media.
More importantly, he remains his own boss, as he was able to cut out the middleman or intermediaries who would have paid him a percentage of total sales.
Another artist called Dave Curry, who goes by the professional name Black Dave has also tapped into NFTs in his career as a visual artist, producer, and rapper.
Music NFTs have contributed immensely to his career in the entertainment industry.
Numerous artists and record companies have benefitted from NFTs
One of the artists taking the Music NFTs space by storm is Latashá Alcindor. Latashá got into Music NFTs due to wanting to remain independent in the industry. She pointed out that when she entered the Music NFTs scene, she realised she could have full authority over her creation as well as the amount of money she could receive directly from fans.
American rapper Nas has also tapped into NFTs and receives royalties based on the income from streaming songs that belong to him.
One of the best uses of NFTs in music is when Sony Music filed a trademark application for its Columbia Records logo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in August 2022.
The trademarks claimed plans for NFT-backed media, music, and podcast production as well as artists’ management and music distribution services, among others.
Some of the best music NFT marketplaces where Music NFTs can be purchased include Cocky, Crypto.com, Binance, Royal, and SuperRare. Nifty Gateway, AsyncArt, OneOf, OpenSea, Gamma.io, and Mintable are among NFT trading platforms.
What’s more, Enjin, Blockparty, Mintbase, Zora, Serenade, PlayTreks, Catalogue, Sound.xyz, Mint Songs, TuneGONFT, and RCRDSHP also offer digital arts trading services.
AirNFTs, Audius, the Musician Marketplace, MarketsPlace, and Rarible can also be used to buy NFTs.
With many record labels out there yet to tap into NFTs and add to NFT real-world use cases, Music NFTs could be the new way to sustain old and new artists in the entertainment industry.
Fashion in NFTs
The fashion industry has an end product that is purchased by millions of people. But before the end products come to life, designers need to create a piece of art through drawing before they can be sewn and put into a clothing store to be purchased.
Since NFTs normally deal with digital art, the fashion industry has found an emerging sector that can add a new source of income for designers and brands as a whole.
In May 2021, a virtual bag by Gucci sold for $4,115. The bag was a bee-embroidered Gucci Dionysus and can only be accessed and used in Roblox’s online video game. The physical version of the bag has been retailing below $4,000.
In September 2021, Dolce & Gabbana sold nine (9) NFTs for around $6 million. The NFT collection called ‘Genesi’ had physical counterparts and was inspired by the Alta Moda Collection in Venice, Italy.
Aside from Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana, luxury brands such as Nike, Tiffany, Adidas, Time Magazine, Budweiser, Bud Light, A0, Lacoste, Nickelodeon, and McLaren are all making revenues through NFTs.
Nike leads NFT revenue
Nike has the highest NFT revenue of all time, with approximately $185 million. Much of Nike’s sales have come from CryptoKicks, its first NFT collection of virtual sneakers.
Nike is followed by Dolce & Gabbana with total NFT revenue of $23.69 million.
The statistics presented show that Nike’s revenue is 7.8 times higher than second-place D&G.
Other brands such as Tiffany & Co. saw revenues of $12.62 million, while Gucci had NFT revenue of $11.59 million.
Adidas has an all-time NFT revenue of $11.01 million; Time Magazine ($10.81 million); Budweiser ($5.88 million); Bud Light ($4 million); A0 ($1.7 million); Lacoste ($1.13 million); Nickelodeon ($607,750); and McLaren ($335,010) completed the ranks of brands profiting from NFTs.
While the above metrics show the impact of NFTs in the fashion world, total revenue could spike to new highs should more established brands join the NFT craze, which could expand NFT real-world use cases.
NFTs in the Metaverse
The metaverse is a digital reality that combines various aspects of cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), online gaming, and social media that allows users to interact in a virtual world.
As an industry that shows so much potential in revolutionising the internet, big technology companies are betting big on the Metaverse.
This is the reason why Facebook’s parent company rebranded itself as Meta in October 2021 and is now called Meta Platforms Inc.
The rebrand aims to revamp platforms, aligning with the company’s vision for the future of social connection and interaction.
On 3 Nov. 2022, Meta Platforms Inc. filed four (4) trademark applications for a variety of augmented and virtual reality hardware, which included AR and VR hardware and electronics.
Meta isn’t alone in the Metaverse; other companies are also investing heavily in virtual world technologies and experiences.
In January 2022, Microsoft announced that it will be acquiring Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in an effort to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone who uses the company’s products. In November 2022, Microsoft gave an update that its acquisition has been approved by Serbian competition regulators.
Some of the best NFT real-world use cases in the Metaverse are the filing of trademarks by mainstream companies.
Mike Kondoudis an instrumental figure in USPTO NFT and metaverse filing
On 30 Nov. 2022, USPTO licensed attorney Mike Kondoudis shared on Twitter that luxury automobile maker BMW is coming to the Metaverse.
In a filing dated 25 Nov. 2022, BMW applied to trademark its logo for virtual environments, retail stores for virtual vehicles and clothing, footwear, and other NFT-authenticated media and files.
BMW’s virtual vehicle trademarks cover non-downloadable virtual vehicles, parts, toys, headgear, and accessories for virtual environments and use.
On 21 Nov. 2022, Lions Gate Entertainment Inc., a company that offers parks, channels, attractions, rides, TV shows, movies, games, and entertainment experiences, filed trademark applications for digital tokens, virtual goods, and NFTs. Some of the virtual goods come with downloadable digital skins, avatars, and characters.
Reebok International Limited joined the Metaverse by filing for two trademark applications with the USPTO on 18 Nov. 2022. The trademark applications are for online marketplaces for NFT-backed goods; retail stores with virtual goods; virtual footwear, headwear, and sports equipment; and NFT-backed media.
Ticketmaster
America’s ticket sales and distribution company Ticketmaster also entered the Metaverse in November with the filing of trademarks on 15 Nov. 2022. Ticketmaster has become a registered trademark for digital collectibles, virtual goods, and NFTs.
Playboy NFTs
Playboy Enterprises International Inc. entered the Metaverse with the filing for a trademark on 15 Nov. 2022. The registered trademark covers NFTs as well as digital media authenticated by NFTs.
Within the same month, Nike, Inc. filed for three (3) trademarks for its DOTSWOOSH Web3 platform on 14 Nov. 2022, and the applications covered custom manufacture of real-world versions of digital footwear and apparel, virtual and crypto goods marketplaces, and virtual footwear, clothing, and sports gear.
HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC, which is the parent company of clothing brand Champion, was part of November’s filers. The brand applied for a trademark for its lined ‘C’ logo, planning expansion into bags, apparel, NFTs, and virtual gear.
Luxury watchmaker Rolex has also joined other brands in the metaverse in a move to expand its presence in the fashion industry.
On 7 Oct. 2022, Ford Motors Inc. filed four (4) trademark applications for FORD MODELS and FMDC3. The trademark applications were for NFT-backed media, virtual goods and events, NFTs, metaverse communities, crypto, and e-commerce transaction authentication.
Formula One got in on the action
Formula One Licensing B.V. filed for eight (8) trademarks for ‘F1’ on 5 Oct. 2022, and it covered cryptocurrency and NFTs, NFT and crypto marketplaces, retail stores for virtual goods, blockchain financial transactions, cryptocurrency trading, mining, and more.
Big players like Western Union, Visa, Ulta Beauty, Viking River Cruises, PayPal, and the US Army are Metaverse pioneers now.
NFTs have entered into the academic world
Aside from brands, academic institutions have also tapped into the use of NFTs. One such institution contributing to NFT use cases is the University of Alabama, which filed six (6) trademark applications for its names and logos on 9 Nov 2022.
The university will leverage its registered names and logos for NFTs, virtual goods, marketplaces, and financial services online.
Law enforcement
One of the main highlights of this beginner’s guide to NFTs, which also showcases a real-world use case of NFTs, is the UAE Police Force becoming the first to offer services in the Metaverse.
They made this announcement at Gitex Global 2022, where several government agencies showcased their cutting-edge services and tech innovations.
The NFT and metaverse industries continue to see significant growth
As of October 2022, trademark applications filed for Metaverse and virtual goods and services in the United States in the first ten (10) months of the year were 4,618.
Trademark applications surged in 2022, exceeding 3,780 by October, with March peaking at 773 metaverse-related filings.
Within the same period, the total number of new NFT trademark applications was 6,366, while the total for the whole 12 months of 2021 was 2,142. Like metaverse trademark applications, NFT trademark applications reached a peak of 1,080 in March 2022.
The Metaverse market size has been forecasted to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.1%, where it could be worth $824.53 billion by 2030. Mobile and desktop metaverses are the product types that could drive the metaverse market to this valuation in the future.
Online shopping, content creation, conferences, social media, and gaming apps are driving the Metaverse market forward.
In terms of geography, the United States, Canada, and Mexico (North America); Germany, France, and the United Kingdom (Europe); China, Japan, and India (Asia Pacific); and some countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America will contribute to the growth of the Metaverse.
Ticket Sales in NFTs
The surge in global sporting and entertainment events and growing demand are driving a boom in the ticketing sector.
NFTs are revolutionizing ticketing, building on QR code success, to further reduce fraud and boost security and transparency.
NFT tickets offer a durable and valuable collectible experience, outlasting traditional paper tickets since they can’t be destroyed or degraded.
Let us examine how NFT ticketing works and how NFT tickets can prevent fraud and unethical scalping.
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How does the NFT ticketing system work?
NFT ticketing works just like other NFTs, leveraging blockchain technology to securely transfer tickets from the issuer directly to the buyer’s wallet.
Event organizers can mint and sell multiple NFT tickets at a fixed price, just like they used to print and sell physical tickets in bulk.
Event organizers can enable NFT ticket auctions and resales on approved platforms, allowing fans to buy and sell tickets like physical ones.
Binance and S.S. Lazio, the Italian Serie A football club, have partnered to showcase the power of NFT ticketing in action.
Binance is the headline sponsor of S.S. Lazio and announced in July 2022 that NFT ticketing will be used for Lazio’s home games at the Stadio Olimpico. Lazio fans can buy matchday NFTs or season tickets.
By becoming a Lazio NFT ticket holder, fans can enjoy discounts, giveaways, and experiences lined up for the 2022/23 season.
Benefits of NFT ticketing
First and foremost, it gives organisers control over secondary tickets.
The 2021/22 Europa League quarter-final match between FC Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt is a prime example of ticket chaos.
FC Barcelona fans profited by flipping tickets to Frankfurt supporters, resulting in a sea of Frankfurt fans in the stadium.
NFT ticketing can also tackle the fraudulent activities associated with the industry. The forging of tickets affects the organisers of events, whether entertainment or sporting.
Scammers still find ways to dupe people with QR codes, exploiting those unaware of ticketing industry advancements and tech.
Fraudulent activities affect ticket sales revenue and especially the reputation of the event organisers.
NFT ticketing leverages blockchain and the internet, eliminating production and validation delays for seamless, secure transactions instantly. With NFT tickets, fans need to open their profile ticket page from their mobile devices.
With NFTs, they can swiftly validate their tickets and identity documents, getting verified in seconds.
Some of the best places where you can find ticket NFTs are NFT ticketing companies.
Some of the NFT ticketing companies which can help you create NFT tickets include, but are not limited to, SeatLab NFT, GUTS Tickets, Wicket, Relic Tickets, TicketMint, YellowHeart, SquadUp & Sidechain, DeFy Tickets, Jeike Ticketing, Oveit, GET Protocol, B.A.M., and NFT TIX.
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NFTs in Supply Chain
The supply chain is a network of tech, activities, and resources that bring a product from creation to sale.
The supply chain is the flow of raw materials from suppliers to manufacturers and finally to the end-user consumer.
COVID-19, extreme weather, and surging demand sparked global supply chain chaos in 2021, causing delays and shortages everywhere.
Non Fungible Tokens on blockchain boost supply chain transparency, cut costs, and eliminate bottlenecks from onboarding to production and transportation seamlessly.
NFTs create unique digital fingerprints, tracking items from origin to delivery, ensuring authenticity and transparency throughout the supply chain.
Digital collectibles ditch lengthy paper trails, streamlining ownership tracking and transactions for goods with enhanced transparency and efficiency always.
NFTs in supply chains eliminate inconsistencies, ensuring smooth information flow, boosting transparency, and building trust among stakeholders seamlessly.
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What are the other use cases of NFTs
Aside from NFTs in fashion, music NFTs, NFTs in the Metaverse, NFT ticketing systems, and NFTs in the supply chain,
NFTs are also infiltrating the real estate industry. Digital arts are transforming the real estate industry.
NFTs revolutionize property transactions with tamper-proof ownership, rock-solid security, and lightning-fast transfers via automated smart contracts.
They also simplify business between both identified and anonymous parties without the need for an intermediary.
2 Comments
The potential for NFTs in supply chain management and ownership verification is huge. Cannot wait to see more innovations.
From art to real estate, NFTs are revolutionising how we think about ownership and provenance. The future is digital.