Application of Blockchain Technologies in Systematizing the Results of Intellectual Activity

Abstract

Introduction: this article offers a comparative analysis of systematization of the results of intellectual activity in the Russian Federation and abroad. Systems for the registration of creative works in various countries, including Russia, function in different areas. There are registers in libraries and archives, as well as those maintained by organizations for the collective management of rights. In Europe, for example, a register of so-called orphan works (works whose authors are unknown) has been created. At the same time, the fact that a variety of such registers exist often makes commercialization of copyrighted objects quite difficult, especially if the turnover in rights to such objects takes place predominantly on the Internet. This article considers various registration systems for the results of creative work and identifies possibilities for the application of blockchain technologies to the systematization of such results. Purpose: to identify regulatory models for the systematization of the results of creative work in the digital sphere for the purpose of using blockchain technologies for the registration of rights to the results of intellectual activity. Methods: the methodological framework of the research is based on dialectical, formal, functional and other general research methods, as well as special methods used by legal scholars: comparative law research and technical research. Results: the authors have identified and described the existing Russian and foreign mechanisms utilized for the systematization of the results of creative work. Based on the comparative analysis offered herein, the possibilities of using blockchain technologies to systematize the results of intellectual activity have been demonstrated for the purpose of the subsequent creation of a single register of intellectual property. Conclusions: the analysis of systematization of the results of intellectual activity in accordance with Russian law and laws of some foreign countries enables us to conclude that the use of blockchain technologies for the purpose of systematizing the results of intellectual activity makes it possible to store, disseminate and transfer information about copyright objects and

Some aspects of copyright and related rights protection in digital environment

“…The fact of its deposition by certain person can be considered as a sufficient evidence that this person is a real copyright owner. Though this goal was also reached earlier by deposition of copyright objects in content platforms, or at a notary, but only blockchain technology is able to ensure the best verification of the data [5].…”

I Rest My Case! The Possibilities and Limitations of Blockchain-Based IP Protection

“…Several authors have verified the feasibility of using Blockchain for the registration of intellectual property. The technology supports the technical, safety, and decentralization requirements for registering copyrights [17]. It can help provide tamper-proof evidence of ownership [17].…”

“…The technology supports the technical, safety, and decentralization requirements for registering copyrights [17]. It can help provide tamper-proof evidence of ownership [17]. It also brings transparency and traceability over subsequent changes, increasing the visibility and availability of that information as a "Trusted Timestamping" [19], so the products are capable of "telling their own story", since their origin to commercialization [23].…”

“…Blockchain-based IP registers can replace existing IP databases [5,17]. However, it is necessary to establish criteria, perform technical tests, and keep the interests of authors and users balanced [17].…”

“…Blockchain-based IP registers can replace existing IP databases [5,17]. However, it is necessary to establish criteria, perform technical tests, and keep the interests of authors and users balanced [17]. The authors go further and claim that Blockchain may be considered an institution of property, such as a legal institution, but it is too early to predict whether it will replace legal norms and property rights [5].…”