SLP249 Bitcoin Patents & Open Crypto Alliance with Stephan Kinsella and Jed Grant
Feb 5, 2021
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Stephan Kinsella and Jed Grant discuss the negative effects of IP laws and improper concepts of property rights on progress and creativity. They explore the potential hindrance of Bitcoin industry by patent laws and the need to stop overly broad patents. They also dive into the mission of Open Crypto Alliance to prevent patents on Bitcoin technology and the importance of community involvement in fighting patents in the blockchain space.
Open Crypto Alliance (OCA) aims to prevent patents from being granted on Bitcoin and blockchain technology to protect the open and free nature of these technologies.
OCA fights against patent applications and challenges existing patents, using crowdsourced prior art and a database of relevant information, to protect the Bitcoin ecosystem from patent trolls and promote innovation.
Deep dives
Open Crypto Alliance: Defending Bitcoin Against Patent Trolls
Open Crypto Alliance (OCA) is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting the open and free nature of Bitcoin and blockchain technology by preventing patents from being granted on these technologies. OCA's approach is to raise funds and use them to fight against patent applications in order to keep the technology in the public domain. They aim to stop patents before they are granted, as the cost of defending against a patent lawsuit can be significant. By crowdsourcing prior art and challenging patents, OCA seeks to prevent these patents from hindering innovation in the Bitcoin space.
The Problems of Intellectual Property in Bitcoin
Stefan Kinsella, a patent attorney, and Judd Grant of Open Crypto Alliance discuss the issues surrounding intellectual property in Bitcoin. They argue that patent and copyright systems are antithetical to private property and free markets. Patents grant monopolies that can stifle innovation and competition, while copyright prevents the free expression and use of ideas. They advocate for the abolition of these systems and emphasize the need to protect Bitcoin and blockchain technology from patent trolls and pirates who can use patents to hinder progress and extract royalties from innovators.
The Threat Posed by Patents
The emergence of patent trolls and the increasing number of patents filed in the blockchain space pose a significant threat to Bitcoin and blockchain innovation. Patent trolls seek to exploit patents they don't practice and demand licensing fees from businesses. The cost of defending against patent lawsuits is often prohibitively high, especially for small companies, which can lead to significant financial losses or even closure. The limited window to challenge patents and the presumption of validity create an asymmetry that favors patent holders. OCA aims to stop dangerous patents from being granted and challenge existing patents to protect the open nature of Bitcoin.
How Open Crypto Alliance Works
Open Crypto Alliance raises funds to fight against patent applications and challenges existing patents. Their approach includes crowdsourcing prior art and building a database of relevant information, which is submitted to patent offices to invalidate patents or prevent their grant. By focusing on patent defense, OCA aims to protect the Bitcoin ecosystem from patent trolls and preserve the ability of small businesses and innovators to thrive in the space. Financial support and awareness are crucial in their efforts to safeguard Bitcoin technology from being monopolized or hindered by proprietary patents.