How to draft a killer blockchain patent

Inadequate preparation is the source of many problems surrounding the drafting of blockchain patents, say Kirk Sigmon and Scott M Kelly of Banner & Witcoff, who provide some tips on how to stay ahead of the game.

Inventors are excited about blockchain technology. The idea of decentralising and publicising content has piqued many ideas that may completely transform some industries. Indeed, startup incubators and conferences worldwide are bursting at the seams with new blockchain startups.

That said, getting a patent directed to a blockchain invention can be surprisingly hard, particularly since many patent examiners seem to view the technology as little more than a variant of a conventional database. But strong IP protection is something that investors often look for, so securing that patent can make a company stand out from the crowd.

Here are some ways to make the process of getting a high-quality, blockchain-directed patent faster and easier.