10 Considerations For Blockchain Patent Applications

The original blockchain codes, used for Bitcoin and Ethereum (smart contracts), are open source. The companies obtaining the most blockchain patents include IBM, MasterCard and Bank of America. The patents generally relate to improvements in the blockchain processing operations, or new uses of blockchains. Many of the issued patents received first action notices of allowance (this is likely to decrease as the database of patents and applications increases). This article discusses some considerations for filing blockchain patent applications.