The Cryptocurrency Open Patent Alliance (COPA) and Unified Patents launch the Blockchain Zone project to protect blockchain developers from patent trolls.

Protection for Blockchain Innovators

According to the announcement, NPEs still account for 58% of U.S. cases, a figure unchanged for five years. COPA’s Blockchain Zone involves over 300 companies committed to reducing NPE activity and protecting blockchain technologies from baseless claims. Quote: “COPA has fought long and hard to reduce barriers to crypto innovation. Now, we take COPA’s work a step further to protect the crypto community from patent trolls.” – Steve Lee, Lead at Spiral and COPA member. Patent litigation can be expensive and time-consuming, often leading to settlements that halt the progress of smaller companies and innovators. Blockchain Zone aims to change that by providing a defensive strategy against frivolous lawsuits.

Role of Unified Patents

Unified Patents has a track record of successfully challenging patents that threaten innovation. Its Transactions Zone focuses on protecting electronic transactions, online payments, and authentication technologies. Quote: "We're happy to partner with COPA to bring our unique solution to the blockchain community," said Kevin Jakel, founder and CEO of Unified Patents. The organization is committed to never paying NPEs for licenses, preventing the reinforcement of such activities.

Significance of the New Initiative

COPA offers members pass-through protection at no cost, crucial for smaller developers lacking resources for prolonged legal battles. Paul Grewal, CLO at Coinbase and COPA member, noted: "Patent trolls are barriers in the path of innovation; they hinder the progress of technology and stifle the spirit of creativity, particularly in the fast-evolving world of cryptocurrency." The new initiative is aimed at preventing legal barriers to growth and lowering transaction costs.

The Blockchain Zone initiative opens up opportunities for blockchain companies to develop without fear of patent threats, keeping technologies open and accessible.