What Blockchain Can and Can't Do for Copyright

Abstract

This article explains how blockchain platforms – the technology underlying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies – are likely to affect copyright law. After briefly outlining the technical features of blockchain technologies, it examines five main areas where copyright is likely to be affected – in registration processes, the creation of open digital rights management systems, the development of automated licensing, the reduction of the need for collective management organisations, and the identification of orphan works.

Keywords: Copyright, Blockchain, Distributed Ledgers, Collective Licensing