I've previously written about how Cisco, Amazon, Oracle, Microsoft, Walmart, and Bank of America are locking down blockchain patents. Now we can add IBM, American Express, and Mastercard to that list.
In all honesty this is starting to get comical because these patents seem to be devolving into worse and worse ideas. It seems like corporations are brainstorming any idea they can to lock down some shitty patent. They clearly think they're missing out otherwise, no matter how dumb the patent is.
https://www.ccn.com/mastercard-wins-patent-for-blockchain-based-coupon-authentication-system/
https://www.ccn.com/ibm-patents-system-that-creates-audited-blockchain-checkpoints/
https://www.ccn.com/american-express-taps-hyperledger-blockchain-for-rewards-program-revamp/
Blockchain coupons and blockchain rewards program? Get real Mastercard and American Express. The IBM blockchain checkpoints patent could be interesting though.
IBM has won two patents for a system that verifies the integrity of a blockchain, certifying that it has passed certain audit requirements at particular periods in time.
The idea is for the audit to go all the way back to the Genesis block and work its way up from there. This is done to make sure the immutability and consensus has been kept in tact up to the point in time that is being certified.
Maybe it's a shit idea though... isn't the whole point of blockchain tech that they self verify? I won't be surprised if this patent goes no where or if it does great things.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: blockchain patents are silly. Decentralized movements do not need to obey patent law. These companies think they are carving out corners of this innovative technology. They are sorely mistaken.
As we forge into the summer we see the long awaited green after a month of red in the market. I've been predicting this bull run from six months out. We are just at the base. Get in while the getting is good. EOS and Tron mainnets are here. This patent frenzy is another clear sign that the market will rally hard. Let's do this.
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