The application of Blockchain technology in Copyright field: formalities and “smart contracts”

Abstract

Blockchain technology is being successfully applied in the cultural sector to enable the lawful distribution of works. This paper studies copyright related issues regarding the two basic characteristics of the specific technology: its nature as a ledger where information related to ownership is registered and the fact that it provides smart contracts functionality. We are addressing questions related to the legitimacy of the existence of a registry (ledger) and the significance of smart contracts for copyright law.