The Blockchain Patent Race is On
In a riveting showdown among tech titans, Alibaba and IBM are locked in a fierce competition for blockchain patent dominance. According to a recent report by iPR Daily, as of August 10, Alibaba leads the pack with an impressive tally of 90 blockchain-related patent applications, narrowly edging out IBM’s 89. It’s like watching a techy version of the Tortoise and the Hare—who knew patent filings could be so nail-biting?
Who Else is in the Running?
Following closely behind this tech duel, we have Mastercard securing the bronze with 80 patents. Hot on its heels is Bank of America, trailing with 53 filings. Not to be overlooked, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) is in fifth place with 44 applications aimed at launching a central bank digital currency. This list reads like the top hits of the patent world—just with fewer catchy tunes and more legal jargon.
How Was This Ranking Compiled?
iPR Daily, a media outlet with a knack for all things intellectual property, compiled this ranking utilizing data from China, the EU, America, Japan, and South Korea. They didn’t just pull these numbers out of a hat; they consulted the International Patent System from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to ensure they got it right. Talk about being thorough!
China’s Blockchain Boom vs. Cryptocurrency Crackdown
While China is paving the way for patent filings, it seems to be playing a two-faced game. The country has been leading in blockchain technology, filing 225 patents in 2017 alone—far surpassing America’s 91 and Australia’s 13. However, the love for technology doesn’t extend to decentralized cryptocurrencies, which China is clamping down on tighter than your grandma on cookies at a family gathering. Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, shares a similar ambivalence, championing blockchain while wearing a skeptical frown when it comes to cryptocurrencies.
IBM’s Expanding Blockchain Horizons
IBM, on the other hand, is all in, consistently broadening its blockchain involvement across various sectors. Recently, they inked a formidable five-year deal worth $740 million with the Australian government. This deal focuses on utilizing blockchain and innovative technologies to enhance data security and automation in federal departments like defense and home affairs. Who knew IBM could play the corporate matchmaker between technology and government?
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As the race for blockchain patent supremacy heats up, it’s clear that both Alibaba and IBM are positioning themselves as frontrunners in this transformative technology space. One can only wonder—what’s next? Patents are great, but will we see actual blockchain solutions hitting the mainstream market soon? Stay tuned, folks!
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