Crypto Advocacy Group Launches Initiative to Protect Blockchain Developers

The Cryptocurrency Open Patent Alliance (COPA) has teamed up with Unified Patents to launch the Blockchain Zone, a new initiative designed to protect 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 costly settlements.

Protection for Blockchain Innovators

According to the announcement, NPEs still account for 58% of US cases, a number that has remained unchanged for five years. COPA’s Blockchain Zone joins over 300 companies committed to reducing NPE activity and protecting blockchain technologies from unfounded legal claims.

Spiral leader and COPA member Steve Lee highlighted the organization’s broader efforts by referencing its past work challenging false intellectual property claims related to the identity of Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.

“COPA has fought long and hard to lower barriers to crypto innovation. Now, we’re taking COPA’s work to protect the crypto community from patent trolls a step further.

Patent litigation can be costly and time-consuming, often leading to settlements that slow the progress of smaller companies and innovators in the space. Blockchain Zone aims to change that by providing a defensive strategy that protects developers and companies from frivolous lawsuits.

Coinbase CLO and COPA member Paul Grewal emphasized that these barriers must stop, noting:

“Patent trolls are barriers to innovation; they hinder the progress of technology and stifle the spirit of creativity, especially in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency.”

COPA will also offer members transmission protection at no cost, safeguarding companies in the blockchain space from unnecessary and costly legal battles. This is especially important for smaller developers, who may not have the resources to fight protracted legal battles.

Unified patents

Unified Patents has a history of successfully challenging copyrights that threaten innovation. Its Transaction Zone, which focuses on protecting electronic transactions, online bill payments and authentication technologies, has successfully challenged hundreds of patent claims. The new initiative is expected to follow suit, ensuring that blockchain technology remains open and accessible.

“We are excited to partner with COPA to bring our unique solution to the blockchain community,” said Kevin Jakel, Founder and CEO of Unified Patents.

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

Unlike other entities, the organization is committed to never paying NPEs for copyright licenses, ensuring that no financial incentive encourages further activity.

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