Blockchain technology, which combines hardware, software, and cryptography, is changing the way global transactions are handled. It removes friction between transacting parties and sometimes eliminates the need for an intermediary. Blockchain technology is being used by a wide range of industries, from healthcare to banking, to manage supply chains, to credential healthcare professionals, and many other uses.
Fintech (financial technology) covers certain uses of blockchain technology (such as cryptocurrencies), but it encompasses more than just blockchain-based solutions. This includes mobile banking, investing services, and “smart card technology” for secure payments. The Fintech industry is characterized by the convergence of software, hardware, and digital security technology.
Innovation and Patents in the Blockchain and Fintech Industry
A wide variety of industries use blockchain technology, including banking and healthcare, to manage supply chain management, credential healthcare professionals, as well as many other uses.
Fintech (financial tech) includes certain uses of blockchain technology (such cryptocurrencies), but it also encompasses other blockchain-based solutions. This includes patent-pending apps, which provide mobile banking technology and investing services, as well as “smartcard technology” for secure payment.
Fintech is characterized by the convergence of digital security technology, software, and hardware. As such, the principles for patenting technology as well as strategies to protect intellectual property relating to technology are the same.
Blockchain Patents – Are Blockchain Backed Technologies Patentable?
The European Patent Office is investigating patentability of blockchain-backed technologies. At a previous EPO Blockchain conference, EPO officials expressed the desire to grant patents legal for secure blockchain technology. They stressed the need to consider blockchain inventions as computer-implemented inventions (CII), and have developed stable criteria to determine patentability of CII. EPO also divided blockchain patent applications into two types: CII and blockchain.
The crypto industry is seeing more patent activity as layer1 networks develop and more people are familiar with blockchain technology. As blockchain technology grows in popularity, patent-worthy solutions will be developed that improve efficiency, scalability, and usability. Due to the increasing regulatory pressures placed on cryptocurrency businesses, more innovation is possible. To remain competitive, crypto companies will need to create solutions that are digitally native and decentralized to meet regulations.
Because they are decentralized systems, patentable innovations in cryptocurrency technology face unique problems. It must be unique and not already known. This requires a deep understanding of the industry and technology. Financial transactions and economics should not be the focus of an application. Instead, the patent should contain a detailed description. To be able to effectively discuss the solution, it is important to have expert technical knowledge in blockchain operation.
Protecting your Blockchain and Fintech Patents
Many fintech and blockchain innovators believe that their inventions do not qualify for patent protection. This is false.
It is possible to protect algorithmic-driven technical innovation while allowing innovators freedom of operation and building businesses around it.
Key point to note when patenting a Fintech and Blockchain innovation, is that you should be focused on solving the challenges related to Section 101 subject matters eligibility and optimizing intellectual properties used to increase shareholder value.
Most fintech and blockchain innovations are related to software patents. Therefore, it would be best to approach patenting software innovation.
Patents for FinTech Software
FinTech is an industry in rapid growth that is experiencing significant disruption and churn. To provide better customer service, both existing companies and start-ups compete more often. Because of the rapid growth in Fintech software applications, patent filing is essential. Financial institutions must consider patents when developing fintech. This will protect their technology from being copied or modified without permission.
It can be challenging to file a patent application to this software because it is essential to clearly identify the invention. If an innovation is not correctly identified, subject matter objections may result.
Patent Strategy
It is difficult to obtain a patent. To develop a solid patent strategy, it takes the support of key stakeholders. To be successful in patenting, you must understand the technology landscape. This will provide you with a broad overview of the technology landscape, and allow you to identify any gaps in your research. This requires constant effort. This strategy will add value to your business, encourage innovation, and protect intellectual property.
Prior Art
Another step in preparing a patent application is a prior art look. You should search for prior art to determine whether your invention is novel and innovative. This will help you identify possible infringements and define the scope of your claims. You can also use a prior art search to help you identify specific functionality and features.
When applying for a fintech patent, it is important to remember that there can be a lot of prior art. Patent examiners may use non-patent and patent references to determine the applicability. This can delay patent acquisitions and discourage stakeholders.
Industry Standards
To be eligible for FinTech Patents, your product must comply with industry standards. These standards include improved network security for financial transactions, new interfaces and a more efficient use of computing resources. Product should increase network reliability and speed. To ensure that your invention meets these requirements, you should consult an expert.
FinTech patents are a great way to protect your inventions. In addition to obtaining a patent, you can also trademark financial services technology. Because the patent landscape changes constantly, these rights need to be renewed frequently. This will ensure that your invention is protected and not copied by others.
Fintech Innovations in 2023
You’ve probably seen the latest news about a host of new technologies. These innovations include Artificial Intelligence, Embedded Finance and Metaverse. We need to think about how these innovations will impact our work, interactions with others, and business operations in the next few years.
Embedded Finance
In 2023, embedded finance and fintech innovations will make a significant impact on how consumers interact with financial services. Companies will be able to interact with customers more directly through embedded finance and fintech innovations. To offer financial services to customers, businesses used to have to turn to third parties. This is no longer true. This technology is expected be one of industry’s most significant and important trends.
Financial institutions can use embedded finance to achieve a variety of benefits such as cost reductions and increased efficiency. The technology promises to enhance the user experience and create new revenue streams.
Stripe is one of the most well-known embedded finance companies. Another example is Amazon which uses the technology for its Amazon Payment service. These are just some of the many uses of the technology.
This technology will be adopted by many other fintech innovators in 2023. Payments will be much more convenient and faster. This technology will allow companies to improve customer loyalty and satisfaction.
This technology can also be used to benefit consumers who are not well served. This technology will have a multiplier impact on all industries.
Banking-as-a-Service is a new way for legacy players to offer unique products. Financial institutions will be able to concentrate on their core products and still take advantage of new technologies and capabilities. These products can be personalized to provide a better customer experience and increase sales.
While embedded finance is not new, it is rapidly gaining popularity. It will be one of the three most important fintech innovations by 2023. Many banks have already begun to integrate their services with third-party platforms.
However, there are still many challenges that must be overcome to achieve high levels of integration. Integrations can be costly and difficult to implement and maintain.
Companies will need to be able to provide the best value for customers and remain lean and profitable. Companies that collaborate across sectors will have the most innovative ideas.
B2B payments
The B2B payment industry is experiencing a new era of innovation, growth and potential. The way people invest and transact is changing dramatically thanks to fintech companies. They’ve created new ways for banks and businesses to interact with customers and businesses. These innovations include mobile wallets and mobile and online payments solutions as well as secure identity verification technologies.
The trend to cashless is growing rapidly among businesses around the globe. According to research firm Straits Research, the U.S. is expected to see a 10.8% annual growth in B2B payments through 2023.
Digital wallets and digital checks are two examples of payment innovation. These technologies can be used for speeding up payments and streamlining operations. For example, digital checks allow for quick payments to suppliers.
Real-time payment systems are another important innovation in the payments industry. This allows companies to route payments to one point of contact, which reduces the chance of transactions going wrong. These technologies not only save time but also allow for cost savings.
Integration of payment systems will be more important as companies adopt real-time systems. Companies can achieve process efficiencies by bundling payments with products or services. This will allow them to align their business areas with the payment integration.
Sustainable measures are also becoming more important. Companies must examine their processes and make improvements to be more environmentally-friendly. Payment providers can help companies make green purchasing decisions.
Embedded payment will remain a hot topic within the payments industry. Software providers for business software are starting to integrate payment solutions in their systems. These integrations will make it easier to manage the systems and eliminate redundant processes from the back-office.
Another innovation in the payments industry is real-time fraud detection. Companies can boost confidence in ecommerce purchases by confirming suspicious transactions in real time. Security can be increased by using AI to detect and report suspicious transactions.
Despite all these advancements, there are still many challenges facing companies in this industry. Companies can be exposed to security risks by using manual payment methods that are inefficient or risky. Many executives in companies don’t have the financial resources to make drastic changes to their business practices.
Metaverse
The Metaverse, a new virtual reality utopia, is in the process of evolving. It’s a blend of technology including augmented reality and virtual reality and offers a bridge between digital and physical worlds.
There are many promising technologies that enable the Metaverse. , a report from Citibank shows that the market could reach $13 trillion by 2030.
Financial firms have a great opportunity here. To improve customer experience, they can join the Metaverse. Virtual trading floors and branches are two examples. These services will enable consumers to manage their finances, and gain access to insurance plans.
The Metaverse has also been explored by brands. Virtually, restaurant operators can test out new configurations. Retail stores can also sell virtual copies of physical products.
Metaverse data can be used by manufacturers to improve their supply chain. This information will allow retailers to offer better products and services to their customers.
Banks have the opportunity to lead Metaverse. To engage customers and attract Gen Z investors, they can create virtual investment spaces or virtual trading floors.
Companies should make it a priority to learn about Metaverses and prepare for them. Security and privacy issues must be considered. To make the metaverse as real as the real one, it will need to manage transactions.
Developers will soon be able render virtual worlds with greater accuracy as the technology improves. Machine learning and AI will improve the quality of user experiences. The number of people who will be able interact with the Metaverse is not yet known.
Although the Metaverse has a huge impact on the economy, it won’t be immediate. It will take many years for the Metaverse to make a real impact. The rewards will be shared by those companies who are willing to change.
The way that people transact in real life is changing thanks to fintech solutions. Fintech solutions are being used by many consumers to meet their financial needs. It is important to prepare for the Metaverse ahead of its arrival.
AI
Artificial Intelligence is a key driver of fintech innovation. Global AI is expected to grow to $27 billion in 2026. Artificial intelligence is used in fintech to improve customer experience, increase security, and manage loans.
Many banks now use AI to combat fraud. Fraud is a serious problem in the financial industry. In 2020, it was estimated that 56 billion dollars were lost due to fraud. To prevent fraud, banks must increase their fraud detection efforts. Artificial intelligence offers a lot of benefits.
Two examples of AI technologies that banks can use to detect suspicious activity are machine learning and facial recognition. They can also make personalized recommendations. Machine learning models can process large amounts of data, and identify hidden patterns or detect suspicious activity.
Roboto-advisors are another fintech application. These chatbots powered by AI help banks grow their customer base. These chatbots can address common user problems, including duplicate charges, reminders for bills, and balance search.
Fintech companies are responding to customer demand for a more personal experience. Apps that allow customers to manage their finances and plan for the future include apps that help them. Bank of America’s app uses an AI-powered approach and tailors its approach to each customer.
Artificial intelligence isn’t just beneficial for the financial sector, it’s also beneficial for all other industries. It gives banks valuable insights and helps them overcome their challenges. Banks can reduce the amount of data entry required and automate many administrative tasks by using AI.
Many banks are now using AI to analyze fraud. An algorithm that is well trained can detect and respond to fraud before it happens.
AI can also be used in back-office operations such as credit scoring. Machine learning models can manage large data sets and resolve disputes.
Banks are moving towards self-healing infrastructure. This will require automation and cultural changes on both the bank’s side. Banks have started automating IT tickets in the event that their mobile banking app is down.
Is Cryptocurrency Patentable?
It is difficult to obtain patent protection for cryptocurrency. Because of this, patent protection for cryptocurrency faces many challenges. It is crucial to show that cryptocurrency is not an abstract idea.
Patent protection is not available to many abstract ideas. This is a general rule. The USPTO keeps a list of abstract ideas. These can include methods for organizing human activity or commercial interactions. A cryptocurrency patent application must include a solution to real-world problems. This is the only way you can prove that it isn’t an abstract idea.
As with any invention, cryptocurrency patents must demonstrate an improvement over the prior art. The innovation must not be new or obvious. If the prior art is already well-known, a rejection could be made. It could also be because the invention is not original or obvious. This can be overcome by applicants providing a detailed description about their invention.
There are other factors to consider, as well as the bigger question of whether cryptocurrency is patentable. First, Bitcoin is open-source software. Patents can be filed in multiple countries for new, non-obvious developments in existing blockchain technologies. Patents will protect other competitors from copying the claimed technique.
Second, cryptocurrency patents must cover technology bridges. It can be used in many industries, depending on its functionality. In order to be successful in an application, multiple techniques must be protected. The decentralized nature of cryptocurrency should be reflected in patent drafting. It should also reflect the expectation of competing entities controlling cryptography.
Patentability can be granted if an invention is an improvement to the existing protocol. The invention must be more than the original idea. These could include important add-ons such as increased security, better configuration or additional nodes to a blockchain. A blockchain patent is difficult to pursue against multiple entities. To gain traction, this patent must be written by an expert.
Since the advent of cryptocurrency, the number of patent applications has increased dramatically. Although no one has yet been able enforce a blockchain patent, it seems that this is possible. Blockchain technology employs distributed computer technology and encryption in order to protect data across a distributed network. This technology offers users a reliable value at a very low price. Chinese government encourages industry and academia to develop blockchain technology, and file patent applications. Tencent, Alibaba, are two of the most well-known blockchain patent application vendors.
Blockchain patents can be used in many industries. Blockchain could be used to verify ownership and to prove contracts are valid. It can be challenging to file a blockchain patent request. It is a good idea to speak with an experienced patent attorney.
A blockchain patent can be hard to obtain, especially as the technology is open-source. A patent-holder can still obtain a blockchain patent. According to the forecast, there will be more applications for blockchain technology each year.
Patenting Considerations for Blockchain, Crypto, and Fintech
Patenting considerations in blockchain, crypto and fintech companies are complex and multifaceted. These are some important points to remember:
- Timing: Blockchain, cryptocurrency, and fintech technology are constantly evolving. It is important to file patents as soon as possible to ensure that your company has the strongest patent portfolio.
- Jurisdiction: The country where the patent was filed can have a huge impact on the patentability of crypto, blockchain and other fintech technologies. It is important that you understand the laws of patent in different countries and file patents in those countries where technology is most likely be protected.
- Open-source nature of crypto and blockchain technologies: Before filing for a patent, it is important that you understand the implications and open-sourcing of a technology.
- Patentability: It is important to make sure that the technology that is being patented does not exist in any other way.
- Costs: Patents are expensive to obtain and to maintain. Companies should carefully weigh the benefits and costs of patenting their technology.
- Licensing or litigation: After a patent has been granted, companies have the choice to license the technology to others and/or to challenge their patent rights in court. Companies should consider all options and have a plan for how they will leverage their patents.
- Clear and concise description: To make it easier for the patent office and to understand the invention, the patent application must be clearly and concisely described.
Yet another issue to consider is Alice’s impact on blockchain/fintech as patentable subject-matter. Alice (Alice Corporation v. CLS Bank International) is a 2014 Supreme Court case that established a two-part test for determining whether a software-related invention is eligible for a patent under 35 U.S.C. § 101. The test is used to determine whether a software-related invention is a patent-eligible “abstract idea” or a “significantly more” invention.
It is important to consider patents for fintech or blockchain technology. The Alice test can impact patentability. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Is the invention an abstract idea or a method of organizing human activity? Alice states that an invention that is merely an abstract idea (e.g., a method for organizing human activity, or fundamental economic practice) is not eligible to be granted a patent.
- Does the invention have a greater value than an abstract idea? Patent-eligible inventions are those that have more substance than abstract ideas. A specific application of blockchain technology to solve a technical problem in an innovative and non-obvious manner may be considered patent-eligible.
- Does the invention have a particular practical application? Alice ruled that abstract ideas cannot be transformed into patent-eligible inventions by simply being implemented on a computer or using technology. It is therefore important to explain how the invention is related to a particular practical application.
- Does the invention have to be tied to specific hardware or software Alice ruled that abstract ideas cannot be made patentable by being linked to specific hardware or software. It is therefore important to explain how the invention is related to a particular hardware or software.
Offensive and Defensive Patenting Considerations for Fintech Or Blockchain Companies
Protective patenting refers to the process of obtaining patents for inventions in order to stop others from patenting them or potentially suing you for infringement. This could include patenting new financial products, services or technologies they have created for fintech and blockchain companies.
On the other hand, offensive patenting is when patents are obtained with the intent of being used against others. This could include patenting technology and methodologies that might be used in their space by other fintech companies or blockchain businesses.
Fintech and blockchain companies should consider both offensive and defensive patenting strategies. Patents can give them a competitive edge and can also be a source for revenue through licensing and litigation.
It is important to remember that patenting can be expensive and time-consuming and that there is no guarantee that the patent will be granted. Patenting is not the best strategy for open source projects, as it is against open-source’s nature.
It is crucial to speak with a patent agent or attorney who has knowledge in blockchain and fintech, and who understands the Alice test. This will help you navigate these complicated considerations and ensure that your company’s patent applications are as strong and solid as possible.
Example Patents for Blockchain and Cryptocurrency from Top Companies
For any company to succeed, patents are essential. Blockchain projects are no exception. Proper intellectual property management is essential for any blockchain project.
Patents are held by many top companies for blockchain and cryptocurrency technology. These patents cover a wide range of blockchain and crypto technology. These companies also granted patents to certain types of transactions. These companies have patented many types of transactions, including digital currency storage and trading.
Alibaba, IBM lead the pack in blockchain patent sales. With 83 filings, Alibaba is the leader in the world. IBM is second with 89. MasterCard comes in third place with 80 filings, while Bank of America ranks fourth with 53.
Banks are also interested in patenting blockchain technology, so most blockchain patent applications are filed banks. Goldman Sachs, Bank of America are just a few of the major players. Another is Mastercard. Although patent applications have been filed by other international entities for their technology, the majority of them are from Chinese companies.
You can also use blockchain to manage supply chains in many other ways. This area is covered by several patents, including two from SkuChain, Inc., which accepts bitcoin for online gambling. Blockchain technology could also be beneficial in the health sector. Q Bio, Inc. Patent filed to allow the use of Blockchain-based electronic health records. It has patented a method to replace a patient’s medical records with a new one.
Companies involved in blockchain patent filings may specialize in one industry or in a specific area, just like other areas. IBM filed many blockchain patent applications in 2017, for example. Ping An, Advanced New Technologies and other companies have also filed patent applications.
You can also search the Internet for similar patent applications to help you find blockchain patents of high quality. You can narrow your search by using key terms. Next, narrow down your search using the International Patent Classification. Patent applications can be deleted without the use of “blockchain”, and you can also eliminate those not classified in another IPC.
Powerpatent
Powerpatent’s Blockchain and Fintech Team has a deep understanding and experience in navigating the complex patent and intellectual properties landscape. Our team helps innovators in emerging technologies overcome the challenges of protecting their intellectual property and gaining meaningful freedom to operate as they grow their businesses.
Many innovators working in the fintech and blockchain sectors believe their inventions are not eligible to be protected by patents or other IP protection. This is a false assumption. It is possible to protect algorithm-driven technical innovation and allow innovators freedom of operation as they build businesses on it.
Our Fintech and Blockchain team is focused on solving the challenges related to Section 101 subject matter eligibility and optimizing intellectual property used to increase shareholder value. We take an integrated approach to IP – working together to overcome new challenges, providing strategic advice and counsel, and working collaboratively to solve them.
We also help innovative companies to protect and develop their brand identities. This includes trademark prosecution but also advertising, brand licensing, co-branding, and other marketing relationships are crucial for many companies in the fintech and blockchain sectors. Our team has extensive experience in helping to develop and protect brands.
