Blockchain for Digital Copyright Protection

Objective:

To develop a decentralized system leveraging blockchain technology to provide secure, transparent, and automated management of digital copyrights, ensuring fair compensation for creators and reducing unauthorized distribution.

Key Features:

Immutable Ownership Records: Utilizes blockchain's tamper-proof ledger to create permanent records of authorship and ownership.

Smart Contracts for Licensing: Automates licensing agreements and royalty distributions through self-executing contracts.(A3Logics)

Global Accessibility: Provides a borderless platform for creators worldwide to register and manage their works.(A3Logics)

Digital Watermarking: Embeds unique identifiers in digital content to trace and deter unauthorized use.

Transparent Transactions: Ensures all transactions are recorded and visible, promoting trust and accountability.

Technologies Used:

Blockchain Platforms: Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, and other decentralized networks.(PeerJ)

Smart Contracts: Automated agreements coded to execute terms without intermediaries.

Cryptographic Hashing: Secures digital content and verifies integrity.

Digital Watermarking: Incorporates unique identifiers into content for traceability.(ScoreDetect)

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Represents unique digital assets and ownership rights.(bitpiepz.com)

How It Works:

Registration: Creators upload their digital works to a blockchain platform, generating a unique hash representing the content.(bitpiepz.com)

Smart Contract Deployment: A smart contract is created, specifying licensing terms, royalty percentages, and usage rights.(siit.co)

Watermarking: Digital watermarking is applied to the content, embedding traceable information.

Transaction Recording: All interactions, including licensing agreements and royalty payments, are recorded on the blockchain.(siit.co)

Verification: Stakeholders can verify ownership, licensing terms, and transaction history through the blockchain.

Benefits:

Enhanced Security: Blockchain's cryptographic nature ensures data integrity and protection against unauthorized alterations.

Fair Compensation: Automated royalty distribution ensures creators receive timely and accurate payments.(A3Logics)

Global Reach: Eliminates geographical barriers, allowing creators to manage their works internationally.

Transparency: Public ledger provides clear visibility into ownership and transaction history.

Reduced Piracy: Digital watermarking and traceability deter unauthorized distribution and usage.

Real-World Implementations:

Ujo Music: An Ethereum-based platform enabling artists to manage their music rights and receive direct payments.(WIRED)

Mycelia: Founded by Imogen Heap, this initiative uses blockchain to empower musicians with control over their work and earnings.(WIRED)

Custos Media Technologies: Employs blockchain and watermarking to track and prevent the unauthorized distribution of digital content.