Blockchain Tech Can Revolutionize Copyright Administration: Report

In a recent research study authored by Peter Yu, who holds the position of regents professor specializing in law and communication at the Texas A&M University School of Law, the paper delves into the possibilities of employing blockchain technology for copyright administration.

As per Yu’s insights, blockchain has the potential to bring about a profound transformation in the arena of intellectual property management, influencing practices not only at a domestic level but also on a global scale.

The primary quality that renders blockchain technology an appealing choice for integration into the intellectual property framework is its characteristic of immutability. When a transaction is registered on a blockchain, it becomes exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to alter or tamper with that recorded information.

Any erroneous entries require the creation of new transactions to rectify the mistake. This feature of immutability positions blockchain as an ideal solution for registering copyrights, securely storing ownership and licensing data, and executing various similar tasks.

For the copyright system specifically, Yu points out that a blockchain ledger can serve as a method for individuals to determine the status of a particular copyright record. It can offer insights into whether a copyright has transitioned into the public domain or become orphaned, providing clarity and transparency to the copyright landscape.

Additionally, the research highlights several other advantages associated with the use of blockchain technology in copyright administration. These include traceability, transparency, and disintermediation.

Traceability is explained in the paper as the capability to track the entire lifecycle of a registration on the copyright ledger from its inception. Making this information accessible to the public through a blockchain explorer or similar method would enhance transparency, a level of openness that surpasses traditional server-based record systems.

Transparency in the context of blockchain’s application in copyright administration extends beyond the basic meaning. This technology elevates transparency by eliminating the reliance on central authorities or intermediaries, thereby establishing a decentralized and open system with enhanced levels of openness.

One of the most significant implications of this technology is disintermediation, which signifies its ability to operate autonomously, free from the oversight of centralized governing bodies or intermediaries.

This means that, in the realm of copyright, blockchain can facilitate global cooperation even without the direct involvement or support of governments or intergovernmental organizations.

Peter Yu speculates that the amalgamation of these benefits could usher in an era where artists and businesses lead a copyright system independently of state involvement. This could potentially transform the way intellectual property is registered, managed, and mediated, empowering creators and rights holders to take more control of their works and rights without relying on traditional bureaucratic processes.

In conclusion, the research by Peter Yu highlights the transformative potential of blockchain technology in the world of copyright administration. The immutable nature of blockchain records, combined with traceability, transparency, and disintermediation, offers a new path for copyright management, one that could lead to a more artist- and business-driven system, ultimately enhancing the protection and distribution of intellectual property, both nationally and internationally.

As blockchain technology continues to evolve, its role in reshaping the copyright landscape becomes increasingly promising.

Andrew is a blockchain developer who developed his interest in cryptocurrencies while his post-graduation. He is a keen observer of details and shares his passion for writing along with being a developer. His backend knowledge about blockchain helps him give a unique perspective to his writing