U.S. Department of Commerce to explore blockchain digital copyright applications

On December 6, the U.S. Department of Commerce is holding an event to discuss how to apply blockchain technology to digital copyright.

The event, scheduled for Friday, is being organized by the department’s Internet Working Group, which is also supported by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Organization (USTPO), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the International Trade Administration (ITA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The group was reportedly set up to explore a range of issues, ranging from copyright to digital privacy and cybersecurity.

The Ministry of Commerce will live stream the event in its entirety, and the viewing link is here: https://livestream.com/uspto/DigitalMarketplace16 .

According to the event agenda released by the Ministry of Commerce, the event was held at the Silicon Valley office of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Blockchain technology has great potential for digital copyright applications, and many startups are exploring its use. The idea is that creative works can be linked to a transaction or digital asset on an immutable ledger. This can then be used to trace the source.

The event, which is set to start at 13:30 UTC, will initially feature a panel session on “Registration and Rights Expression Language,” which will focus on the use of blockchain technology.

The subsequent breakout session focused on blockchain and smart contracts, and while no specific projects were listed, the session also included a one-and-a-half-hour technology preview.

The department said:

“We will discuss the interoperability potential of digital registries and standards work in this area, and consider relevant emerging technologies (e.g. blockchain technology, open source platforms). We will also explore potential ways to guide their access to online markets.”

While the event marks the Commerce Department’s first public foray into blockchain technology, representatives from the department attended an industry event at the Bretton Woods system last summer and made recommendations to the blockchain industry.