Firms Continue To Seek IP Rights Amid Evolving Patent Landscape

Late last week, the U.S. Patent Office published the latest in what has been a steady stream of blockchain-based patent applications filed by institutional banks. Two patent applications by one of the largest U.K.-based banks were published: one dealing with a blockchain-based system for hosting cryptocurrency transactions, and another that seeks to streamline "know your customer" processes. Both patent applications appear aimed at leveraging blockchain to enhance security and compliance in banking systems.

A recent Cointelegraph article provided some statistics on the companies and countries with the most blockchain-related patent filings. Notably, the applications from China significantly outnumber those from other countries. The article also notes that so-called patent trolls appear to be taking an interest in blockchain patent applications.