Could Blockchain Disrupt How We Protect Our Intellectual Property?

Everybody is talking about blockchain as a disrupter in the banking and finance industries, but this emerging technology also has potential application for intellectual property (IP) protection. Blockchain creates the potential for an "open, distributed ledger" that permits the secure transfer and recordation of information and data, including digital assets, without the need for middlemen. Once recorded, the data in any given "block" cannot be changed retroactively, except in certain circumstances involving the modification of all subsequent blocks and the consent of a network majority. These features make blockchain interesting for digital currencies. Additionally, blockchain presents other benefits for trademark, copyright, and patent protection, as well as IP licensing. Below are a few uses that are currently being explored.