Transforming Copyright Registration with Blockchain Technology: Beyond IP Protection for Independent Creators

Blockchain technology has been touted as a disruptive force across various industries, promising increased transparency, security, and efficiency. When it comes to copyright registration and intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, does blockchain hold the transformative value it promises? Let's explore how, and whether, blockchain can enhance the registration systems for independent creators.

Introduction to Blockchain and Copyright Registration

Blockchain technology is a decentralized, digital ledger that records transactions or data in a secure and immutable manner. In the context of copyright registration, it has been proposed to streamline and enhance the process. However, is this transformation worth the effort? Let's dive into the nuances of applying blockchain in this field.

The Case Against Blockchain for Substituting Existing Mechanisms

Rather than replacing current copyright registration systems, which are quite robust and effective, blockchain offers Incremental improvements. Tagleting a copyright in a blockchain does not inherently transform the process. If an author submits a digital hash of their work to be recorded, this merely serves as a timestamp and verification tool, similar to existing methods of metadata submission. This means that while blockchain can enhance certain aspects, it doesn't fundamentally change the core processes:

Submitting metadata about the item and creator (Existing: Metadata details, New: Metadata details including blockchain hash). Deposit of a best edition of the item with the registration service (Existing: Deposit of a best edition, New: Deposit of a digital hash). Recording the digital hash on a blockchain along with metadata (New: Blockchain recording of hash).

The primary concern with this approach is the added complexity and overhead. Digital hashes and blockchain records introduce additional steps and potential points of failure, which may outweigh the benefits.

The Role of Digital Hashes in Proving Copyright Claims

One of the purported benefits of using blockchain in copyright registration is the use of digital hashes to verify ownership and integrity of copyrighted works. A digital hash is a unique string of characters derived from the content of a file. By storing the hash on a blockchain, it is possible to compare the hash of a copyrighted work with that of an alleged infringement. However, this solution has limitations:

Exact Matches: The digital hash can only prove that two works are identical. This is useful but insufficient for proving copyright infringement when the works are merely similar. Subset Issues: A digital hash can prove that a work contains a specific subset of the original, but it cannot quantify the significance of using that subset in the context of infringement.

For example, consider two books, both containing the sentence "He travelled from New York to Washington on the Metroliner." The fact that the exact same sentence appears in both books is not evidence of copyright infringement. Copyright law typically considers the overall originality and substantial similarity of works, not just the presence of identical phrases.

Current vs. Blockchain-Based Systems: A Comparative Analysis

In the current system, registering a copyright involves:

Submitting Metadata Details: Authors submit comprehensive metadata about their work and themselves to the registration service. Deposit of Best Edition: Authors submit the best edition of their work to the registration service for record-keeping purposes. Official Registration: The service reviews the submission and officially registers the copyright.

In a blockchain-based system, the process would essentially remain the same:

Submitting Metadata Details: Authors submit metadata to the blockchain registry. Deposit of Best Edition: Authors submit the best edition to the registration service. Blockchain Recording: A digital hash of the work is recorded on the blockchain along with metadata, serving as a timestamp and verification tool.

The only significant difference is the addition of the blockchain recording step, which may not always be practical or necessary, especially for works that cannot be digitized or require more complex verification processes.

Conclusion: The Potential and Limitations of Blockchain in Copyright Registration

While blockchain technology holds immense promise in various sectors, its implementation in copyright registration is better viewed as an enhancement rather than a revolution. The current systems are robust and effective, and any solution that complicates this process without substantial benefits should be carefully scrutinized.

Key Considerations:

Complexity: The addition of blockchain may make the registration process more complex rather than simpler. Practicality: Not all works can be easily digitized and stored on a blockchain, limiting its applicability. Incremental Value: Any transformative value is likely incremental rather than revolutionary. Specificity: Digital hashes can only prove exact matches and do not address the nuances of copyright infringement claims.

In conclusion, while blockchain can add a layer of security and verification, the added steps and potential complexities must be weighed against the benefits. For independent creators, a balanced and thoughtful approach to technology integration is crucial for maintaining the integrity of their works.