Digital rights management systems have struggled to keep pace with the complexity of modern intellectual property. Traditional IP frameworks rely on centralized databases and manual verification, leading to disputes over ownership, licensing terms, and usage rights that can take months to resolve. Industry data shows that IP litigation costs regularly exceed $2.5M per case in the US alone.

The core challenge lies in creating verifiable proof of ownership and transfer mechanisms that can operate at the speed of digital commerce while maintaining compliance with existing legal frameworks.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including hybrid asset management systems that synchronize physical and digital ownership records, blockchain-based IP rights validation frameworks, and smart contract systems for automated licensing enforcement. These and other approaches demonstrate how distributed ledger technologies can provide transparency and efficiency in IP rights management while ensuring legal enforceability.

1. System for Product and Rights Management Using Secure Tags and Non-Fungible Tokens

Intertrust Technologies Corporation, 2024

Using secure tags and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to manage products and associated rights in a secure and dynamic way. The secure tags can be physical NFC tags embedded in products or virtual watermarks referencing digital tags. NFTs are associated with the products and rights. This allows managing rights using NFT techniques like marketplaces, transfers, and smart contracts. The secure tags provide physical verification of products and ownership. The NFTs enable dynamic rights management and tracking.

2. Blockchain Platform for Digital Asset and Physical Collectible Management with Automated Buyback and Tokenization Features

Lucky Hive Ventures LLC, 2024

Blockchain-based platform for managing and facilitating transactions in digital assets and physical collectibles using blockchain technology, including minting, revealing, and offering automated buyback functionalities for Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Physical Collectibles (RWAs), as well as providing secure storage and regulatory compliance solutions within a unified platform. The platform offers features like automated buyback offers for NFTs, enhanced market dynamics, tokenization of physical collectibles, secure storage, community engagement, marketing campaigns, and regulatory compliance.

3. Blockchain System for Integrated NFT Ownership and Copyright Tokenization

KYON DOO HEON, 2024

A blockchain-based system for integrated NFT ownership and copyright. The system enables buying NFTs with tokens that represent both ownership and copyright. Users can trade these tokens to transfer ownership and copyright proportionally. This provides a way to have meaningful rights in NFTs that can be traded separately. The system generates NFT tokens with unique keys, manages them, and allows trading while tracking shares and prices. It also has a digital wallet system to manage hot/cold storage and distribute revenue based on shares.

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4. Digital Token with Inextricably Bound Off-Chain Rights and Variable Protocol Evolution

MINTANGIBLE INC, 2024

Secure, immutable digital tokens called rights bound tokens (RBTs) that associate a blockchain token with off-chain rights. The tokens are digitally native assets with intrinsic value based on real-world rights. The RBTs have both a tokenized asset and a structured rights package inextricably bound via internal and external bindings. This allows rights to be created ahead of the token, evolve post-facto, and maintain immutability. The rights protocol can evolve over time. The rights bound tokens provide a flexible, scalable, and decentralized way to represent rights as digital assets on blockchains.

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5. System for Content Rights Management Using Non-Fungible Tokens on Blockchain Ledgers

Intertrust Technologies Corporation, 2024

Managing content rights using non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with content in a marketplace leveraging trusted ledgers like blockchains. The system allows securely managing content rights, like creation, sharing, terms, and distribution, using NFTs. It enables creators to create NFTs representing their content, associate metadata, rights, and conditions, and list the NFTs in a marketplace. It provides a trustworthy way to track and enforce content rights using blockchain's immutable and transparent ledger.

6. Blockchain-Based System for Representing Real-World Assets Using NFTs with Multi-Signature Smart Contract Compliance Verification

GUANGZHOU YUEZHI COMPUTER CO LTD, 2024

Using blockchain non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to represent real-world assets and enable compliance events like audits and legal statements to enhance trust and acceptance of the assets. The method involves deploying a compliance review organization on the blockchain using multi-signature smart contracts. The organization can publish real asset descriptions and have voting decision makers sign compliance reviews. The asset NFTs store hash of the reviews. This allows offline assets to be tokenized on-chain with endorsement from trusted entities.

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7. Blockchain System for Fractional Access Tokenization and Management of Asset Ownership

Third Venture Partners, Inc., PWCC Marketplace, LLC, 2024

Blockchain-based system for representing and managing access rights to valuable assets like collectibles, art, cars, etc. It involves minting fungible access tokens representing fractional ownership or access privileges to assets, which can be traded separately from the underlying non-fungible title token. This allows fractionalizing and distributing asset access rights in a more efficient and flexible way compared to traditional joint ownership methods. The system uses a blockchain distributed app with a table tracking the title token and access tokens. It enables features like unchaining (withdrawing) the title token when a threshold of access tokens is held, and transferring individual access tokens.

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8. Blockchain-Based Digital Copyright Protection System Utilizing Non-Fungible Tokens for Electronic Books

David Exline, 2023

Digital copyright protection for electronic books using blockchain technology. The method involves minting NFTs (non-fungible tokens) representing books on a proof-of-stake blockchain. Users pay native tokens to mint their books, which are verified and stored immutably on the blockchain. This provides secure, decentralized, and tamper-proof publishing and retrieval of digital books. The blockchain audit trail allows tracking and verification of book versions.

9. Blockchain-Based Token System for Music Copyright Fee Allocation via Streaming-Linked NFTs

HYBE CO LTD, 2023

Token management system for tracking and distributing music copyright fees generated from streaming. It involves issuing NFTs representing a portion of streaming revenue for copyrighted music. The NFTs are linked to the blockchain and tracked as the music is streamed. The revenue generated from streaming is calculated based on the NFT stake and distributed to the NFT owner. This allows copyright holders to tokenize their music and receive direct payments from streams rather than relying on royalties from music platforms.

10. Hybrid Asset Management System with Blockchain-Synchronized Digital Certificates and NFTs

Numéraire Financial, Inc., 2023

A hybrid asset management system that enables secure and efficient trading of physical assets with corresponding digital tokens on blockchains. The system synchronizes digital asset certificates (stored off-chain) with blockchain-based NFTs representing the assets. This allows consistent ownership and transfer between the physical and digital representations. When an NFT is sold, the system replaces the off-chain certificate with a new one for the buyer. This ensures the physical asset's legal ownership matches the blockchain.

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11. Method for Issuing Non-Fungible Tokens of Industrial Property Rights with Authentication and Transfer Verification

BIZMODELINE CO LTD, 2023

A method for issuing non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of industrial property rights that ensures secure NFTs matching the rights. The method involves verifying authentication procedures to issue NFTs for specific percentages of rights transferred to corporations. It involves steps like qualification checks, ownership checks, and transfer initiation checks. By linking NFT issuance to transferred rights, it prevents unauthorized transfers or extinction during the rights term.

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12. Decentralized Digital Asset Preservation System Using Blockchain-Based Token Exchange Mechanism

UNIV GIRONA, UNIVERSITAT DE GIRONA, 2023

Self-value preservation of digital assets in a decentralized computing platform using blockchain tokens. Digital assets like art, music, etc. are represented as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with a wallet and smart contract. When an asset needs preservation, a second member pays with tokens to the platform's manager. The manager splits the payment into exchangeable tokens and provides the preservation service. The asset's token wallet checks if it has enough tokens. If so, it exchanges tokens for exchangeable tokens. The manager then gives the asset access to the second member using the exchanged tokens. This self-preservation model leverages the blockchain to enable decentralized preservation of digital assets.

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13. Blockchain-Based System for IP Rights Management and Transfer in NFTs Using Specialized IP Tokens

Erich Lawson Spangenberg, Jonas Block, Daniel Lawrence Bork, 2023

Securing and tracking IP rights for NFTs using blockchain to prevent unauthorized use of IP in NFTs while still allowing IP owners to monetize their IP through NFT sales. The method involves using blockchain smart contracts to tie IP rights to NFTs in a way that is transparent, tamper-proof, and enforceable. It uses specialized IP tokens that represent ownership or licenses for IP associated with NFTs. These IP tokens can be transferred along with the NFTs to ensure that the new owners have the proper IP rights. The tokens are designed to define the exact scope and limitations of the IP rights being transferred.

14. Blockchain-Based Method for Linking Non-Fungible Tokens to Intellectual Property Rights via Extendable Chain of Custody

Erich Lawson Spangenberg, Jonas Block, Daniel Lawrence Bork, 2023

A method to establish a maturable non-fungible token (NFT) recorded on a blockchain and referencing an extendable chain of custody, and to allocate intellectual property (IP) rights reliably, clearly, and in an interoperable manner to any NFT recorded on a blockchain, independent of its origin. The method involves linking NFTs to IP rights using an extendable chain of custody. This allows IP rights to be associated with NFTs in a verifiable, interoperable, and clear manner, even if the NFTs were created separately. The chain of custody can be a blockchain record or multiple blockchain records. The NFTs can reference the chain of custody to provide proof of IP ownership and transfer. This addresses issues like proof of provenance, IP allocation, and tradability of NFTs.

15. System for Fractional Ownership and Monetization of Tokenized Intellectual Property via Blockchain-Integrated NFT Modification

UREEQA INC, 2023

Monetizing tokenized intellectual property through a system that enables fractional ownership, licensing, collateralization, insurance, and tradeable rewards programs for tokenized IP. The system involves minting a validated NFT for IP, storing it on a blockchain, and then allowing monetization requests like fractional ownership, licensing, collateralization, insurance, and tradeable rewards. These requests modify the NFT and update the blockchain. This allows diversified monetization options for tokenized IP beyond just trading the NFT.

16. Blockchain-Based Intellectual Property Trading System Utilizing NFTs for Tokenization and Transfer

Erich Lawson Spangenberg, BRADLEY NOLAN ROTTER, BRIAN JOSHUA BERMAN, 2023

A system for trading intellectual property rights using NFTs to enable reliable and efficient transfer of patents, copyrights, etc. The system involves tokenizing IP rights on blockchains and creating NFTs representing the rights. These can be traded like stocks, allowing investors to buy, sell, and license IP assets. The NFTs provide clear title, ownership history, and encumbrance information.

17. Blockchain-Based System for Patent Licensing with Smart Contract-Linked Non-Fungible Tokens

Caerus Institute LLC, 2023

Automating the licensing of patented technologies using blockchains and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This involves creating an NFT representing a patent, recording licensing terms in a smart contract, and using the blockchain to track and enforce licensing agreements. The NFTs can be transferred, sold, or licensed like physical assets, enabling automated patent licensing and monetization.

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18. Blockchain Registry for NFT Copyright License and Derivative Authorization Tracking

Aria Mir, 2023

Blockchain-based registry of copyright license status, usage rights, and other intellectual property rights associated with NFTs. It enables authors to authorize derivatives of their NFTs and have immutable blockchain records indicating approved derivative works. This allows future token purchasers to query the registry to check if a derivative NFT was made in an authorized manner or infringes copyright. The registry can be smart contracts or oracles callable from third-party smart contracts to confirm licensed derivatives.

19. Blockchain-Based System for Tokenization and Decentralized Trading of Intellectual Property Rights

Erich Lawson Spangenberg, 2023

A system and method for trading intellectual property (IP) rights using blockchain-based non-fungible tokens (NFTs). It enables the tokenization of IP assets like patents to facilitate free and transparent trading of IP ownership stakes, licenses, encumbrances, etc. The NFTs are recorded on a blockchain, providing transparency, traceability, and immutability. This allows secure, decentralized trading of IP rights without the need for intermediaries like patent offices. The system also provides insurance and verification of IP title and ownership.

20. Blockchain System for Asset Tokenization and Trading with Ownership Division and Customizable Rights Transfer

KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION, UNIV KOREA RES & BUS FOUND, 2023

Blockchain-based system for tokenizing and trading both digital and physical assets. The system allows users to tokenize assets using a blockchain server and trade the tokens on an interconnected market server. It provides features like splitting asset ownership, selecting intellectual property rights to transfer, and choosing storage locations for assets using a seller terminal. This allows customization and flexibility in tokenizing and trading assets.

21. System and Method for Tokenization of Digital Media Files with Embedded Unique Audio Code Identifiers on Blockchain

BRANDON ELMON, JACOB ELMON, 2022

Secured method and system for tokenizing and sharing digital assets like music, videos, etc using blockchain and embedding unique audio codes as identifiers. The method involves converting digital media files into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on a blockchain network. An audio code is generated from the original media file and embedded into the NFT. This audio code serves as a unique identifier that validates the authenticity of the digital asset when transferred. It allows buyers to purchase and access original digital assets like music without intermediaries while preventing duplication and fraud.

22. Blockchain-Based System for Media Copyright Management Using NFTs with Automated Access Control and Similarity-Based NFT Creation

HANIDENTITY KOREA CO LTD, 2022

Blockchain-based media copyright management system that enables efficient and automated copyright management for digital media. The system uses NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to represent ownership and copyright of media objects. When a user requests access to a media object, the system checks if they have paid the service fee. If so, it grants access. If not, it requires payment. This encourages users to pay to avoid being blocked. The system also allows creating new NFTs for similar unregistered media objects if their similarity is below a threshold.

23. System for Tokenizing Hashtags into Non-Fungible Tokens for Transferable Ownership and Rights

Yu Ching Hu, 2022

Assetizing hashtags by tokenizing them into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that represent ownership and transferable rights associated with the hashtag. Users can offer their hashtags for sale or use at a price, and interested users can acquire the rights by paying and accepting transaction rules. This creates a marketplace for monetizing hashtags and enables securing, trading, and licensing hashtags as digital assets.

24. Blockchain-Based System for Digital Goods Ownership Verification with Unique Identifier and Tokenized Transfer

Sony Group Corporation, 2022

Validating the genuineness and ownership of digital goods using a blockchain to create scarcity and prevent unauthorized copies. Each digital good has a unique identifier, watermark, and signature linked to an ownership token. When sold, the token is passed and recorded on the blockchain. Validators verify transactions. This ensures only one owner, prevents double-spending and proves authenticity.

25. Blockchain-Based System for Digital Content Ownership and Rights Management Using Tokenized Representation

Metadyn, 2022

Managing digital content using blockchain to enable secure and transparent tracking of digital content ownership, rights, and transfers. It uses blockchain to create digital tokens representing content items that have embedded information about the rights associated with them. This allows verifiable rights transfers, smart contracts for usage and payments, and decentralized marketplaces for buying and selling rights. The blockchain provides a public ledger of content provenance and ownership.

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26. Blockchain-Based System for Digital Content Management with Provenance and Rights Tracking

Metadyn, 2022

Managing digital content using blockchain technology to provide attribution, distribution, transfer, and other actions associated with digital media, content associated with the media, and rights to the media. It utilizes blockchain to track creation and ownership of digital content items, represent rights transfers as digital currency transactions, and maintain a chain of provenance for the content. The blockchain records contain details like creators, contracts, rights, and ownership. The tokens represent the content items and have embedded metadata on rights. This provides secure, decentralized management of digital content with verified provenance and rights tracking.

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27. Blockchain-Based Method for Recording Digital Design Transactions Using Non-Fungible Tokens

KREATION KABUSHIKI KAISYA, 2022

A method for efficient and secure distribution of digital design contents using blockchain and NFTs. The method involves recording transaction information about digital design contents in a blockchain using non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that represent the digital designs. The transaction information includes rights holder information like copyright and ownership details. This allows tracking and managing the rights and ownership of the digital designs as they are distributed and used on various products and media. The blockchain provides an immutable and transparent record of the design transactions for efficient and safe distribution.

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28. Blockchain-Based Asset Registration and Authentication System Utilizing Non-Fungible Tokens

bythedirectpath LLC, 2022

Decentralized infrastructure for registering and authenticating assets using blockchain rights ledgers. The method involves creating a non-fungible token (NFT) representing an asset's unique, immutable, and irrefutable fingerprint. This NFT is then recorded on a public blockchain along with evidence of authorship and creation. This provides an immutable, transparent, and decentralized way to register assets and track ownership transfers.

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29. Blockchain System for Asset Registration and Authentication Using Non-Fungible Tokens

bythedirectpath LLC, 2022

Decentralized, blockchain-based system for registering and authenticating assets like intellectual property, art, real estate, etc. The system uses non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to create immutable, tamper-proof records of asset ownership and transfers on a public blockchain. It allows secure, decentralized registration and transfer of ownership for assets, providing a permanent, verifiable record that can be used to prove origin, priority, and ownership. The system involves generating an NFT representing the asset, engraving it on the blockchain, and granting the owner an official logo to prove registration.

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30. Method for Tokenizing Ownership Assets as Non-Fungible Tokens on a Blockchain Network

TGXC CO LTD, 2022

Method for providing a database service of ownership items using non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on a blockchain network. It involves tokenizing unique ownership assets like game items on a blockchain to enable P2P transactions without relying on game service providers. The method provides a blockchain-based independent ownership management service through cryptocurrency transactions. It involves issuing NFTs representing game assets, tracking ownership through the blockchain, and providing a database service to manage asset issuance and ownership.

31. Blockchain Art Traceability System with NFT-Linked RFID Integration

BEIJING GOLD & SILVER DIGITAL TECH CO LTD, BEIJING GOLD & SILVER DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021

A blockchain-based art traceability system to prevent counterfeiting and provide authenticity of artworks. The system uses non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to represent individual artworks and their ownership. Each artwork has an associated NFT that tracks its provenance and ownership history on the blockchain. This allows verifying the authenticity and origin of a artwork by checking the NFT's transaction history. The system also uses RFID tags on the physical artworks to link them to the NFTs. This allows scanning the RFID tag to instantly verify the artwork's authenticity using the blockchain.

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32. Blockchain-Based Patent Tokenization Platform with Smart Contract Automation and AI-Driven Patent Evaluation

Erich Lawson Spangenberg, 2021

A patent tokenization platform using blockchain to provide a more efficient and transparent patent market. It enables tokenizing patents to introduce liquidity, like for licenses and loans, and provides features like smart contracts for automated transactions. The blockchain tracks patent chain of title, provenance, and encumbrances. It uses AI to evaluate patentability, identify partners, and offer insurance. The platform aims to overcome limitations of the current patent system like event-driven processing, data degradation, lack of collaboration, global engagement, and innovation cycles.

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33. Blockchain-Based System for Fractional Ownership and Trading of Intellectual Property Tokens

ARGOSOPEREM LLC, 2021

A secure system for buying, selling, and managing intellectual property (IP) assets using blockchain tokens. It allows fractional ownership and trading of IP assets like patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Users can buy and sell IP tokens representing fractional interests in specific assets. This enables fractional ownership, trading, and licensing of IP assets. The tokens are issued by converting a portion of the asset's economic interest. The system uses blockchain to record and transfer token ownership, balances, and values. It provides a decentralized, secure, and transparent way to manage, trade, and license IP assets.

34. Blockchain-Based System for Digital Goods Ownership Verification with Cryptographic Tokens and Unique Intrinsic Characteristics

Sony Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., 2019

Validating the genuineness and ownership of digital goods using blockchain to create scarcity and prevent unauthorized copying and reselling. The technique involves registering the ownership of a unique digital good using transactions on a blockchain. The registration includes a cryptographically linked ownership token and unique intrinsic characteristics like watermarks. Each transaction is validated by multiple nodes. This creates an immutable record on the blockchain showing the genuine item belongs to a specific owner.

35. Blockchain-Based Digital Certificate Issuance with Asset-Linked Evaluation and Endorsement

Chen Xu, 2018

Method for issuing digital certificates on a blockchain that provides credibility, security, and traceability to digital assets backed by underlying assets like real estate, art, or intellectual property. The method involves a comprehensive evaluation of the asset's quality, ownership, and value. Blockchain is used to issue digital certificates representing the rights to these assets with credit endorsement and value support from the underlying asset. This addresses issues like lack of credit, volatility, default risk, and supervision with traditional digital assets.

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These advances explore a variety of ways to integrate Non-fungible Tokens (NFT) with intellectual property. Some focus on securing and managing intellectual property rights within NFTs. Others address streamlining the licensing process for patents through NFTs.

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