- The Blockchain Zone shields developers from ridiculous patent dispute.
- COPA seeks to maintain blockchain technologies accessible and free to all.
The Cryptocurrency Open Patent Alliance (COPA) has partnered with Unified Patents to launch the Blockchain Zone. This new initiative aims to safeguard blockchain innovators from legal threats and patent trolls. This effort targets patent trolls and non-practicing entities (NPEs) to ensure a safer environment for blockchain businesses. The action, announced on October 1, is part of a larger attempt to avoid unnecessary patent litigation that might hamper progress in the blockchain industry.
Patent trolls, also known as non-practicing entities, primarily hold patents to profit from alleged infringements by others. As a result, they pose significant challenges for innovators seeking to develop and implement new technologies. This technique has historically targeted digital giants like Google, Apple, and Samsung. Notably, last year, non-practicing entities (NPEs) were reportedly responsible for 58% of all patent cases. The Blockchain Zone aims to avoid similar upsets in the blockchain industry by offering free legal protection for developers.
Protecting Innovation and Blockchain Development.
COPA, founded in 2020 by Jack Dorsey’s fintech firm Block, aims to keep critical blockchain technologies open and free to use. This group includes notable companies like Coinbase, Kraken, and Blockstream, all dedicated to preventing patent misuse in the blockchain sector. COPA’s partnership with Unified Patents aims to enhance this commitment. Through this agreement, COPA members will benefit from pass-through protection against patent trolls. This protection ensures they can shield themselves from legal battles without incurring additional legal expenses.
Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer of COPA founding member Coinbase, highlighted the relevance of this project, describing patent trolls as barriers to innovation that limit creativity and technical development. The Blockchain Zone aims to eliminate these barriers by providing legal protection for developers. This enables them to focus on innovation without fearing lawsuits.
Last year, the DeFi Education Fund (DEF) attempted to revoke a patent owned by True Return Systems, which had sued MakerDAO and Compound Finance. This case was viewed as an example of patent trolling in the cryptocurrency space, stressing the necessity for initiatives such as the Blockchain Zone.
As the blockchain industry expands, COPA and Unified Patents aim to shield developers from frivolous lawsuits. Their collaboration is designed to help the sector grow without being hindered by unnecessary legal challenges.
