10.17.2017

Rush for Blockchain Patents Won’t Impede Innovation

10.17.2017

The modern day equivalent of the California Gold Rush is taking place at the nation’s patent offices as people are rushing to get patents for blockchain technology.

Market consultancy Greenwich Associates reported that the rush to protect intellectual capital related to the blockchain does not signal the start of a potentially innovation-stifling patent war, but rather is a sign that the technology is moving into the corporate mainstream.

Richard Johnson, Greenwich Associates

In a new report, “Blockchain Patents Signify the Potential of the Technology,” the consultancy said that according to companies in the financial services and technology industry, a recent avalanche of blockchain-related patent applications reflects both the technology’s immense potential and the huge investments companies are making into blockchain innovation.

“More importantly, these moves show that the companies believe their research has led to unique breakthroughs and applications,” said Richard Johnson, Vice President of Market Structure and Technology at Greenwich Associates and author of the report.

To date, there have been over 800 patent applications filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office related to bitcoin, blockchain or distributed ledger technology (DLT).

The new report also noted that while the goal of open-source is to allow for innovation in the software community and the trend to protect intellectual property may be in opposition, 59% of industry executives Greenwich Associates spoke to see no conflict.

“From the first release of the open-source bitcoin code, blockchain was based on a foundation of decentralization and open innovation,” Johnson added. “Despite the rush of patent applications, that spirit remains strong in the industry today, as developers focus on building solutions that can potentially transform financial services and beyond.”

Markets Media Group was pleased to host the 2025 European Women in Finance Awards last night at Claridge’s in London.
#WomeninFinance #WIF #EuropeanFinance #FinanceCommunity

See the full list of winners here: https://www.marketsmedia.com/2025-european-women-in-finance-awards-the-winners/

3

We are excited to announce the finalists for the 2025 U.S. Women in Finance Awards! Congratulations to all!

Check out the full list here:


#WomeninFinance #WIF #financeindustry

Nominations are NOW OPEN for the 2026 Women in Finance LatAm Awards! Do you know a standout leader, innovator, or rising star? Nominate her today!

Learn more & submit your nomination:

#WomeninFinance #Finance #WIF

HSBC AI Markets harnesses natural language processing to meet market participants’ trading and hedging needs, from pre-trade analysis, to execution, to post-trade. Markets Media caught up with Tom Croft to learn more about the platform.

#AIMarkets

Load More

Related articles

  1. Distributed ledger technology increases efficiency, reduces breaks and eliminates reconciliations.

  2. This initiative makes S&P's stablecoin risk analysis accessible in DeFi protocols & smart contracts.

  3. The trading venue allows clients to settle through a traditional CSD or a crypto wallet.

  4. The group has a strategy of integrating trading, settlement & custody for digital assets.

  5. CBOE to Upgrade Trading Platform

    Institutions can access blockchains without needing to upgrade to new infrastructure.

We're Enhancing Your Experience with Smart Technology

We've updated our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy to introduce AI tools that will personalize your content, improve our market analysis, and deliver more relevant insights.These changes take effect on Aug 25, 2025.
Your data remains protected—we're simply using smart technology to serve you better. [Review Full Terms] | [Review Privacy Policy] Please review our updated Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy carefully. By continuing to use our services after Aug 25, 2025, you agree to these

Close the CTA