Blockchain Technology and Intellectual Property Rights

Abstract

Blockchain is a decentralized; peer-to-peer network based public, encrypted and immutable digital federated ledger system. This paper focuses on interplay of blockchain technology and intellectual property rights (IPRs). It explores the avenues where blockchain technology can be useful in processing of IP applications, maintaining IP records, licensing and smart contracts, enforcement and management of IP rights. Apart from the use of blockchain in IP management, other uses o f blockchain technology for various e-governance schemes initiated by government of India and state governments have also been highlighted.