Blockchain and Copyright

Abstract

1 Blockchain and copyright Abstract The aim and objective of this Thesis is to introduce the phenomenon of blockchain technology and some of its applications in the field of copyright. The thesis focuses primarily on the areas of databases, NFT and Smart Contracts, and their application in the existing, particularly Czech law. In its first chapter the author defines the blockchain technology, describing the basic terminology, such as node, block, hash, transaction, peer-to-peer network, proof of work. The chapter then explains how blockchain works, describing its key characteristics. The author dwells on three types of blockchain and finally discusses the issue of ethics and privacy protection. The next chapter on copyright summarizes basics of this area of law which has been experiencing fast development of new technologies. A sub-chapter on author's property rights, whereby special attention is paid to the issue of digital reproductions, constitutes an important part the the Thesis. Central chapters deal with Smart Contracts, blockchain, collective rights management and NFT (Non-fungible Tokens). Smart Contracts have the potential to simplify the process of contracts conclusion and to make it more user-friendly. The same applies in the field of copyright, for instance in the form of automatic deduction of...