Work

Supporting Intellectual Property Protection: Blockchain Technology as a Catalyst for Open Innovation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: As the access, sharing, and transfer of intellectual property (IP) are central to open innovation (OI) projects, preventing the leakage of IP is critical. The emergence of blockchain has prompted organizations to seek support from this technology to protect IP. However, the potential applications, challenges, and benefits for OI projects at the technology/legal interface are not well understood. This article shows that while blockchain technology is not the solution to all IP protection problems, it has the potential to significantly improve the status quo by creating an immutable record of the existence, integrity, and ownership of files at specific points in time. It also offers guidance to practitioners on how to extend and complement their existing IP protection, ultimately enhancing their negotiating leverage and collaboration with OI partners.

Source: California Management Review

DOI: 10.1177/00081256251320366

Authors: Stephan M. Wagner, Alexander A. Fink, Jonas F. Ehrnsperger, Philipp Düpree

Institutions: ETH Zurich, Mercedes-Benz (Germany)

Language: English

Topic: Blockchain Technology Applications and Security

Subfield: Information Systems

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900