As a researcher with years of experience in the tech industry, particularly in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space, I wholeheartedly support and endorse the Blockchain Zone initiative by COPA and Unified Patents. The protection against patent trolls is long overdue, especially considering that these entities have been stifling innovation for far too long.


The Cryptocurrency Open Patent Alliance (COPA) has teamed up with Unified Patents to launch the Blockchain Zone, a new initiative designed to safeguard blockchain developers from “patent trolls.”

The campaign targets non-practicing entities (NPEs), which hold patents without developing products and often exploit the high costs of litigation to pressure companies into expensive settlements.

Protection for Blockchain Innovators

As stated in the announcement, Non-Practicing Entities (NPEs) continue to be involved in about 58% of U.S. patent cases, a percentage that has stayed the same for five years now. The COPA’s Blockchain Zone is among more than 300 businesses that have pledged to lessen NPE activities and safeguard blockchain technologies from unwarranted legal disputes.

Steve Lee, who serves as the Lead at Spiral and is also a part of COPA, emphasized the wider initiatives of the organization, recalling their previous actions in disputing incorrect intellectual property assertions about the real identity of Bitcoin‘s founder, Satoshi Nakamoto.

For years, COPA has tirelessly worked to break down obstacles for advancements in cryptocurrency. Moving forward, our efforts aim to shield the crypto community from legal nuisances known as ‘patent trolls’.

Litigation involving patents is frequently costly and lengthy, sometimes halting the advancement of small businesses and inventors within their respective fields. In an effort to alter this status quo, Blockchain Zone offers a proactive approach that safeguards developers and corporations against unwarranted legal actions.

Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase and a part of COPA, underscored the need to halt these obstacles, pointing out particularly.

Patent trolls pose obstacles on the road to innovation. They slow down technological advancement and dampen creative enthusiasm, especially within the rapidly developing field of cryptocurrency.

Through COPA, members can enjoy complimentary shielding against potential legal issues related to the blockchain industry. This protection is crucial for small-scale developers who might lack the financial means to engage in prolonged legal disputes.

Unified Patents

Unified Patents consistently wins cases where copyrights hinder creativity, particularly in the areas of electronic transactions, online billing, and authentication tech. Their Transactions Zone has already defended against numerous patent lawsuits. The upcoming initiative aims to continue this trend, safeguarding the openness and accessibility of blockchain technology.

Kevin Jakel, founder and CEO of Unified Patents, expressed his delight at teaming up with COPA to introduce their distinctive blockchain solution to the community,” is a paraphrased version that maintains the original meaning in an easy-to-understand manner.

He described the collaboration as a valuable chance to protect blockchain technology from baseless patent claims, allowing businesses to grow and transaction costs to decrease without legal hindrance.

Instead of most organizations, this particular entity stands firm against providing payments for Non-Practicing Entities (NPEs) regarding copyright licenses. This way, it avoids any financial rewards that could potentially stimulate increased NPE activities.

Read More

2024-10-05 10:36