BLOCKCHAIN AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY---A DYNAMIC DUO FOR THE RADICAL UPHEAVAL BY - ABHISHEK SINGH & KRUNAL MODI

BLOCKCHAIN AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY---A DYNAMIC DUO FOR THE RADICAL UPHEAVAL
 
AUTHORED BY - ABHISHEK SINGH & KRUNAL MODI
 
 
 
ABSTRACT:
Blockchain is a decentralized and tamper-resistant digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. It ensures transparency, security, and the immutability of data. As the name indicates, a blockchain is a chain of blocks that contains information.
 
On the other side, intellectual creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, images, etc., are used for commercial purposes. Intellectual property (IP) rights give these creations legal protection through patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, enabling creators and innovators to control and benefit from their creations.
 
Blockchain technology has led to many technical developments, widening the scope and use of legal sectors and areas, including IP law. But, on the other side, the topic of blockchain has always been in controversies; there has been a finger on the point of relying on the technology, as it comes with many uncertainties.
 
This paper gives a hypothetical concept of blockchain technology and IP structure, which may bring a great beneficial revolution to the IP industry. This paper includes a thorough study of blockchain technology to help understand the benefits and easements given by it. Also, suggestions against current challenges will be added.
 
KEYWORDS:
Blockchain technology, patenting, trademarking, copyrighting, hash keys, data, tamper-resistant, peer-to-peer networks, intellectual property, nodes, challenges
 
 
INTRODUCTION TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND BLOCKCHAIN:
In history, before the concept of intellectual property rights emerged, creative works and inventions were often shared freely or protected through mechanisms like trade secrets or royal monopolies. In ancient times, for example, artisans and craftsmen passed down their techniques orally or through apprenticeships, and there wasn't a formal system to protect their creations as we have today. It wasn't until much later, with the development of printing and the rise of capitalism, that the need for intellectual property rights became more apparent.[1]
 
Intellectual property rights encompass a variety of rights and areas of law, and it is critical to distinguish between these laws. There are several parallels and variances among the various rights. The objective of the right, whether to create a monopoly or to prohibit illegal use of the product, can be a useful way to discern between these.
 
Another type of differentiation is the registration requirement, which determines whether the right is subject to the completion and submission of a formal application and registration process. The requisite formalities do not end there; in fact, they are only the tip of the iceberg, as such rights cannot be awarded to any Tom, Dick, or Hardy. The application is subjected to thorough scrutiny and review by the competent authorities, who ensure that it does not infringe on anyone's rights. The right places the owner in a privileged position, granting the ability to develop a monopoly on a certain commodity as well as the authority to prohibit anybody from utilizing the property while the owner can exploit it as he sees fit.
 
Intellectual property rights are inherently negative in nature. This implies that it prevents others from doing anything—exploiting their property, replicating it, and other parties that have independently achieved the same result but are ignorant of ownership, among other things.
 
There are various distinct sorts of rights and areas of law that collectively comprise what we refer to as intellectual property rights. Some of these are:[2]
• Copyright
• Rights to performances
• The law of breach of confidence
• Patents for inventions
• Registered designs
• Unregistered design rights
• Trade marks
• Passing off
• Malicious falsehood (trade libel)
In the current scenario, intellectual property rights are the same as any other property right. They allow the authors or owners of patents, trademarks, or copyrighted works to profit from their own effort or investment in the production. These rights are stated in Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights[3]. The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883) and the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (1886) were the first to recognize the value of intellectual property. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) administers both accords.[4]
 
CURRENT REGISTRATION PROCEDURE OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK:
The set of procedures required to get a patent grant is referred to as the patent process in India, or patent prosecution. The patent office and the assignee, inventor, or patent agent must communicate with each other regarding the patent application during this complex process.
 
Here is a condensed summary of the important phases:
Step 1: File a patent application. You can file your patent application online or at one of the regional patent offices in Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Delhi[5].
Step 2: Publication: After 18 months from the date of submission, the application is automatically published by the patent office. Requests for early publication are accepted, and the office will usually publish it in a month[6].
Step 3: requires the applicant to file a Request for Examination (RFE) and submit it within 48 months of filing the application or priority date. Failure to do so may result in application withdrawal[7].
Step 4: Patent Examination: During this phase, the patent is carefully examined, and within two months, a First Examination Report (FER) is released by the examiner. The applicant is given six months to address any concerns brought up in the FER[8].
Step 5: Examination Response: In order to avoid application abandonment, the applicant must address objections and provide a response to the FER within a six-month period, making sure all information is accurate[9].
Step 6: Grant of Patent: Following the resolution of all objections, the patent office issues the patent and, within seven days, emails a grant certificate[10].
Step 7: Renewal of Patent: In order to keep the patent in effect, renewal fees must be paid at the conclusion of the second year and each succeeding year [11].
Step 8: Opposition is an elective step in which third parties may register a pre-grant opposition upon publication or a post-grant opposition within a year of the patent's issuance. The patent office holds a hearing to decide whether to maintain, alter, or revoke a patent after the Opposition Board has reviewed objections and submitted recommendations. This extensive procedure guarantees a methodical approach to acquiring and preserving patents in India [12].
 
Anyone claiming to be the owner of a trademark that they use or plan to use and who would like to register it must submit an application in writing to the Registrar, following the guidelines, in order to register a trademark. Thus, the law makes it possible for anyone who wants to register a trademark to do so. The primary prerequisite is that he must be able to prove he is the mark's owner.

A trademark may be registered at one of three levels, specifically:
(1)   Registration at the national level: Due to their geographical character, trademarks are only protected in the nations in which they are registered.
(2)   Regional Registration: One way to register at the regional level is to file a trademark application with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). One can get trademark protection in every nation within the European Union by submitting a single application to the EUIPO.[13]
(3)   International registration (using the Madrid system): It's crucial to remember that there isn't just one application that can be submitted anywhere in the world to file a trademark. Only the nation or area in which the trademark application is lodged is granted protection.
 
The application must be submitted to the Trade Marks Registry, which is situated inside the boundaries of the applicant's principal place of business in India. In the event that the registrar discovers mistakes or feels the trademark shouldn't be registered after accepting the application, the acceptance can be withdrawn after hearing the applicant.
 
After an application is approved, the registrar publicizes it. Anyone has three months to object to the registration by sending the registrar a written notification. After being notified of resistance, the applicant has two months to reply. Refusing to answer indicates giving up on the application.
 
The registrar determines whether to approve registration after both parties have a chance to present evidence in the event that the applicant submits a counterstatement. The registrar registers the trademark, using the date of the first application as the registration date, if there is no objection or if the opposition is resolved in the applicant's favor.

The applicant receives a certificate from the registrar upon successful registration. The first ten years of trademark registration are valid; however, they can be renewed for an additional ten-year period. In the digital era, trust and transparency are being revolutionized by blockchain, a decentralized ledger technology. By securely logging transactions over a dispersed computer network, it generates an unchangeable data chain. Blockchain ensures authenticity and integrity without the need for middlemen, in contrast to traditional systems, and does so without a central authority.[14]

Beyond cryptocurrency, blockchain is used in digital identity verification, voting, supply chain management, and medical records. Blockchain promises a more transparent and inclusive future by improving security, decreasing fraud, and increasing efficiency.
 
Intellectual property (IP) is seeing a significant transformation as a result of blockchain technology, which is upending established practices. Blockchain is fundamentally a distributed, decentralized ledger technology that makes record-keeping safe and transparent.
 
MECHANISM OF THE BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY:
DLT, also known as Distributed Ledger Technology. When this method was first presented by a team of researchers in 1991, its primary goal was to date digital records to prevent manipulation. Anybody can access a distributed ledger, or blockchain, at no cost.
 
They possess a fascinating quality. It is exceedingly difficult to alter data once it has been entered into a blockchain. What is the process by which something operates?
DATA
 
 

HASH OF THE PREVIOUS BLOCK
HASH
 
 
 

There is some data in every block. the block hash as well as the block's preceding hash. Depending on the kind of blockchain, different data might be kept inside the blocks. The Bitcoin blockchain, for example, stores the details about a transaction here, such as the sender, receiver, and the number of coins. A blog also has a hash. You can compare a hash to a fingerprint. It identifies a block and all of its contents, and it’s always a unique code (for example, ensRnjsTnjszldf38jjdsnjnczmdf5), just like a fingerprint. Under IP law, a country should have its own website run through blockchain technology.[15]
 
Illustration:
Websites can be designed through themes of inventions, logos, symbols, or contents. Suppose, ‘X’ is a person owning "ZIQO,” a name for the chains of Chinese restaurants, and if he wants to trademark the same, he can simply enter his name, address, contact number, data related to his restaurants, logo, and fully express it, on the blockchain-based website made by the government on the theme of trademarks made in restaurant chains. In that, a block will contain the data, and the hash key given by the ‘online government trademark website’ and the hash key of the previous block will be formed. Then, if a person ‘D’ with the name “ZIKO” of Chinese restaurant chains, wants to register his trademark, he would not be able to do so. With the help of blockchain technology, no one can register the name or logo, that is similar to the existing or previously existing trademark.
 
Once a block is created, its hashes are calculated; changing something inside the block will cause the hash to change. So, in other words, hashes are very useful when you want to detect changes to blocks. If the fingerprint of a block changes, it is no longer the same block.  The third element inside each block is the hash of the previous block.   This effectively creates a chain of blocks, and it’s this technique that makes a blockchain so secure.
 

????
????
????
 
                                                
 
 
 
 
 

Hash                4H6F                    Hash           5K9M                             Hash            8J2M
Previous hash:      0000                 Previous hash:      4H6F                      Previous hash:     5K9M
 
Here, for instance, is a chain made up of three blocks. Every block has its own hash as well as the previous block's hash. Thus, block two points for block number two, and block three points for block number one. Since there is nothing before the initial block, it cannot point to earlier blocks. Another name for it is the Genesis block. Now, if the second block is tampered with, the block's hash also changes. Because they no longer include a valid hash of the preceding block, the third block and all subsequent blocks will become invalid as a result. Hence, by altering one block, all subsequent blocks will remain valid. However, hashing alone is insufficient to stop tampering.
 
Computers these days are very fast and can calculate hundreds of thousands of hashes per second. You can effectively tamper with a block and recalculate all the hashes of other blocks to make your blockchain valid again. So, to mitigate this, blockchains have something called proof of work. It’s a mechanism that slows down the creation of new blocks. In Bitcoin’s case, it takes about 10 minutes to calculate the required proof of work and add a new block to the chain. This mechanism makes it very hard to tamper with the blocks, because if you tamper with one block, you’ll need to recalculate the proof of work for all the following blocks. So, the security of a blockchain comes from its creative use of hashing and the proof-of-work mechanism. 16 But there is one more way that blockchains secure themselves, and that is by being distributed. Instead of using a central entity to manage the chain, blockchain uses a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, and everyone is allowed to join.
 
 
The people in the above picture are the participants in the blockchain; they are called nodes. A complete copy of the blockchain is given to each new member of this network. The node (participant) can use this to verify that everything is still in order. If someone creates a new block, that blog is sent to everyone on the network. Each node then verifies the block to make sure that it hasn’t been tampered with. Once everything is in order, every node appends this block to its own blockchain. In this network, every node establishes consensus. They both agree on which blocks are legitimate and which aren't. Blocks that are tempered will be rejected by other nodes in the network. So, to successfully tamper with a blockchain, you’ll need to tamper with all the blocks on the chain, re-do the proof of work for each block, and take control of more than 50% of the peer-to-peer network. Only then will tempered blocks be accepted by everyone else. So, this is almost impossible to do. [16]
 
WORKING OF MECHANISM IN FIELD OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:
Intellectual property management is another field where the implementation of blockchain-based solutions could have an important impact. IP is a hot topic in the current Internet age. By using a distributed ledger to manage IP rights, artists, authors, and businesses can have tamper-proof evidence of ownership of their IP and copyright protection. They can also use smart contracts in an ecosystem that allows smart IP rights management. One of the most important aspects when talking about IP rights is their registration and protection. In most legislation, IP rights, trademarks, and copyrights are valid from the moment of their inception. A blockchain-based registry with time stamps that show when an IP right has been generated could present a proof of first use. This would make it much more difficult for vulture firms to file for patents, for technologies that have been created and used by their original authors, but have not yet been registered by them. A timestamp on the blockchain’s immutable ledger would be transparent and proof to the whole world of its rightful IP ownership.[17] Blockchain-based solutions open a world of possibilities for IP-related products such as music, films, software, and pretty much any form of authorship. First of all, blockchain platforms would facilitate content creators and artists to monetize their work in a decentralized system based on digital money and smart contracts. It. It would be possible to build systems and frameworks that trigger automatic IP payments based on usage with great precision. For example, music and video streaming could be charged by the minute or even the second with micropayments processed instantaneously, as in the other industries we have discussed so far. 18 These systems could work in a direct peer-to-peer way without any unnecessary intermediaries. Such solutions could be especially effective in situations where a little-known artist creates a product and needs to rely on a third-party platform to protect his or her IP rights. Stream Space offers authors the independence to choose their commercial strategy on their own and charge customers using stream share tokens. Another project involves blockchain media. In order to assist musicians in expressing their rights and desires for the commercialization of their work in an interchangeable file format, blockchain is constructing a music content rights register.[18] Data is maintained across a distributed network that utilizes, blockchain technology. This solution facilitates the recording of music and meteorites into the works of artists themselves. Blockchain maintains partnerships in the music and wider media industries to enable seamless data exchanges between more than 63 million globally recorded works from independent and major label artists and the dot-BC ecosystem. It remains to be seen how such decentralized marketplaces will develop in the future, and if they will reach a critical mass of users. One of the main challenges ahead of them is the governance model of a decentralized community of disparate stakeholders, which is in fact a common issue for all decentralized systems. Regardless, thanks to blockchain technology, we will likely see a significant disruption in the way artists manage their intellectual property. Chances are the playing field will be more level in the future, and artists will have better opportunities to publish, distribute, and monetize their content on their own in an environment that also protects their IP rights.[19]
 
So, basically, the nodes available 24/7 on the network will be the “blockchain task force."  Anyone registering for any patent or trademark in the form of data, will have to submit such detailed information to the nodes of the national government website, which may be formed by the central government itself under the official gazette. In the future, a treaty is expected to be signed by the countries that are interested in getting the “RIGHT OF PRIORITY” in the trademark and patents. Under such a treaty, a global online portal for registering the logo, symbol, name, invention, content, etc. should be established, in which nodes from different corners of the world will maintain the security and immutability of the blockchain technology. It will be on the nodes, to see whether to accept the block or reject it, as earlier explained. The invention patented, shall not only have the information of the patentee and details of the invention, but certain algorithms of artificial intelligence would also help to find out a relevant part of copying the invention, or whole itself.[20] Similarly, when a mark is trademarked, it will be supported by certain algorithms of artificial intelligence, which will help in finding out the relevant parts that are recognized by its distinctiveness and fanciness and shall not be copied by anyone.  By doing so, most infringements on patents, trademarks, and copyrights can be prevented.
 
When a person enters the details of his invention, logo, artistry, etc., he enters the data into that particular block. After entering it, the details and the block go to every node that is registered in that particular region.
 
 Suppose that if someone tries to tamper with the data in a single block of the blockchain network through hacking, they need to hack the software of each and every node present in that region, which is merely impossible.[21]
 
SCENARIO OF IP LEVELING UP WITH BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY:
IP offices and their users have changed the intellectual property landscape together. Both users and offices have moved online, and everything has become more and more friendly in order to better help develop businesses and their brands. There is also a strong direct connection to the enforcement of rights and the fight against counterfeits and piracy now. Moving to the next level and together to start the IP Register project in blockchain technology.[22] Blockchain, by design, is a reliable and distributed platform to share data and services securely. Instead of centralizing the data in one database, it will be distributed automatically to interconnected nodes owned by the participating IP offices for robust defense against attack. The blockchain technology will update the trademark view and patent view in real time with quality data and reflect the IP rights status as they change over time while maintaining an auditable and immutable history.[23] This, for example, would simplify end users’ priority rights claims and evidence from one IP office to another due to its interconnected network and data protocols. There are neither single points of failure nor a single authority that controls the system. These features make blockchain the ideal technology for trademark and patent views. The IP Register Blockchain is developed in consultation with IP officers, users, and legal teams to make sure the requirements of all stakeholders are taken into account. International. Offices will come on board as well, progressively over time. The IP Register blockchain technology improves our services now and will provide the foundation for the inclusion of other IP rights as well as for new services benefiting businesses and citizens.[24]

 

JURISDICTIONAL CHALLENGES IN BLOCKCHAIN-RELATED IP DISPUTES:

Blockchain technology's global and decentralized nature can lead to jurisdictional issues in intellectual property conflicts. As blockchain operates on a decentralized network, assigning activities to specific physical locations becomes challenging. This is especially true when transactions involve individuals from all over the world, making it difficult to determine the jurisdiction for legal action. Additionally, users often use pseudonyms, making it difficult to trace the identity and whereabouts of those involved in intellectual property issues.
 
Smart contracts, which operate independently, may lack clear jurisdiction, especially when code runs autonomously without human participation. Blockchain projects and participants may operate across various jurisdictions, making it difficult to navigate complicated international legal systems and deal with contradictory rules and regulations. IP infringement on blockchain networks could have global consequences. Enforcing intellectual property rights may require judicial proceedings in numerous jurisdictions to address these challenges.
 
International intellectual property rules may not give clear advice on jurisdictional concerns relating to blockchain. Parties involved in a dispute may struggle to navigate the legal landscape, and changing legal frameworks may be required to solve blockchain-related jurisdictional concerns. The regulatory clarity and adoption of blockchain technology vary among nations. Parties participating in a dispute may be unsure about the legal status of blockchain transactions and the enforcement of intellectual property rights in different countries.[25]

 

Addressing Jurisdictional Challenges:

?     Choice of Law and Forum Clauses: Contracts and agreements related to blockchain projects can include clauses specifying the choice of law and forum and providing a framework for dispute resolution.
?     International Cooperation: Encourage international cooperation and collaboration among regulatory bodies to establish guidelines for addressing cross-border blockchain-related IP disputes.
?     Global Standards: Develop global standards or treaties that harmonize IP laws concerning blockchain technology to provide clearer jurisdictional guidelines.
Navigating jurisdictional problems in blockchain-related intellectual property disputes necessitates a thorough grasp of the technology, international legal frameworks, and the dynamic nature of blockchain legislation. Legal experts and legislators play an important role in resolving these issues and providing clarity for a successful conflict settlement.[26]
 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEGAL FRAMEWORKS ACCOMMODATING BLOCKCHAIN AND IP:

Developing legal frameworks that effectively accommodate both blockchain technology and intellectual property (IP) requires a nuanced approach. There are various recommendations for creating legal frameworks that foster innovation, protect intellectual property, and address the unique characteristics of blockchain.
?       To effectively understand and interpret blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, it is crucial to define their legal framework. Recognizing digital assets, including tokenized intellectual property, is essential. Legitimizing smart contracts as enforceable legal instruments will define their legal status and binding conditions.
?       Mechanisms for registering, protecting, and enforcing intellectual property rights on blockchain should be established, including digital registries and legal recognition for proof of ownership. Promoting interoperability standards for blockchain systems can facilitate seamless integration into existing legal frameworks. Addressing digital identity and privacy protection is also crucial.
?       The text emphasizes the importance of cross-border recognition of blockchain transactions and intellectual property rights, fostering international cooperation, and harmonizing legal standards. It also calls for investment in educational programs to improve understanding of blockchain technology among legal professionals and policymakers.
?       The text also calls for a responsive regulatory approach that evolves with blockchain technology, regularly updating regulations to address emerging challenges. It also calls for public consultation and collaboration with industry stakeholders to create regulations that consider diverse perspectives.
 
CONCLUSION:
The evolution of intellectual property through technological advancements can be distinctly seen through developments over the years. This development has indeed affected and expanded the penumbra of intellectual property laws. The emergence of digital technologies and the internet has created new challenges for protecting intellectual property rights, leading to the need for constant updates and revisions in legislation. As technology continues to evolve, there is a need for intellectual property laws to adapt in order to address new forms of infringement and ensure fair protection for creators and innovators. The amelioration of blockchain technology, which is facilitating other industrial sectors across the globe, can be improved and utilized for the betterment of intellectual property protection. Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize how intellectual property rights are managed and enforced, offering increased transparency and security. By leveraging blockchain, authorities can create immutable records of ownership and usage rights, making it easier to track and protect intellectual property in the digital age. So, this blockchain technology will provide a tamper-proof service to IP with the advanced and easy procedure of registration, prevention of infringement, and tampering of the data, with the motive of giving priority to the person who gave out his or her creations. According to the current situation, blockchain is still in an underdeveloped stage where many of the mechanisms need to be enhanced, even with all of its potential advantages. Before blockchain-based IP management systems are extensively used, a number of issues like scalability, interoperability, and regulatory concerns need to be resolved. Blockchain must also have user-friendly interfaces and efficient procedures in order for producers from various backgrounds to find it useful and accessible.
 
To overcome these challenges and realize blockchain's full potential in the field of intellectual property, research and development are still ongoing. Blockchain technology has the potential to completely transform how artists maintain and preserve their works in the digital age, provided that innovation and cooperation are sustained.


[1] WIPO, “What is Intellectual Property?" http://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/intproperty/450/wipo_pub_450.pdf, accessed on January 29, 2024.
[2] David I. Bainbridge, “Intellectual Property” (first published in 1992, Pearson), accessed on January 31, 2024.
[3] Everyone has the right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts, and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
[4] Supranote1
[5] Indian Patent Act, 1970, S 7
[6] Indian Patent Act, 1970, S 11A
[7] Indian Patent Act, 1970, S 11B
[8] Indian Patent Act, S. 12
[9] Indian Patent Act, S. 11B
[10] Indian Patent Act, S. 21, 43
[11] Indian Patent Act, Rule 80
[12] Indian Patent Act, S. 25
[13] Sharma, Dushyant Kumar. "Intellectual property and the need to protect it." Indian J. Sci. Res 9, no. 1 (2014): 084-087, accessed on: February 2, 2024
[14] According to Sections: 18(1) to 39 of the Trademarks Act, 1999
[15] Haber S. and Stornetta WS, “How to Time-Stamp a Digital Document” (Journal of Cryptology, January 1, 1991), https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00196791, accessed on February 4, 2024.
[16] ibid
[17] Grover, N. (n.d.). National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy: Science and Technology Notes. Prepp. https://prepp.in/news/e-492-national-intellectual-property-rights-ipr-policy-science-technology-notes, accessed on February 8, 2024
[18] Ito, Kensuke, and Marcus O’Dair. "A critical examination of the application of blockchain technology to intellectual property management." Business Transformation through Blockchain: Volume II (2019): 317–335, accessed on February 11, 2024
[19] Gupta, V. (2017). A Brief History of Blockchain. Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2017/02/a-brief-history-of-blockchain. (https://hbr.org/2017/02/a-brief-history-of-blockchain), accessed on February 16, 2024.
[20] ibid
[21] Rambhia, Vidhi, et al., "Intellectual Property Rights Management Using Blockchain." Information and Communication Technology for Competitive Strategies (ICTCS 2020): Intelligent Strategies for ICT. Springer Singapore. Accessed on February 18, 2024
[22] Savelyev, Alexander. "Copyright in the Blockchain Era: Promises and Challenges." Computer law and security review 34.3 (2018): 550–561. Accessed on: February 21, 2024
[23] ibid
[24] Supranote13
[25] Inshakova, Agnessa O., Tatiana V. Deryugina, and Evgenij Y. Malikov. "Intellectual property exchange as a platform for exclusive copyright transfer by means of smart contracts." 13th International Scientific and Practical Conference: Artificial Intelligence: Anthropogenic Nature vs. . Social Origin. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2020, accessed on February 25, 2024
[26] Bonnet, S., & Teuteberg, F. (2023). “Impact of blockchain and distributed ledger technology for the management of the intellectual property life cycle: A multiple case study analysis." Computers in Industry, 144, 103789. Accessed on: February 27, 2024