Intellectual Property Law [Patent and Copyright]

Abstract

The tokenisation of the economy is challenging the law pertaining to intellectual property (IP) rights. This chapter specifically focuses on the patent and copyright laws of the jurisdictions compared. It will demonstrate how there are many challenges and benefits from the application of IP rights by means of tokens operating on a blockchain-distributed ledger. However, this is an area of technology the law is far from settled. For instance, tokens can be used to partially or fully establish an IP right. Thus, the tokenisation process can go some way to securing the IP assets themselves that are licenced. Similarly, blockchain technology and tokens are transforming copyright law. This chapter will make mention of China, but only for the purpose of comparing copyright law.