Abstract
Blockchain technology has rapidly evolved, extending its applications across digital finance, IoT, smart manufacturing, supply chain management, and digital asset trading. Global patent filings are surging as organizations compete for technological and market advantages. Using Derwent Innovation (DI) data and analytical tools like Excel and Derwent Data Analyzer (DDA), this study examines global and domestic patent trends in blockchain technology, focusing on core innovations, high-value patents, and key research institutions. Findings reveal exponential growth in blockchain patents worldwide, with China leading as the primary source and market for these patents. High-impact patents predominantly originate from the U.S., reflecting its stronghold in foundational technologies like digital transaction verification and cryptographic security.
Introduction to Blockchain Technology
Originating from Satoshi Nakamoto’s 2008 whitepaper Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System, blockchain is a decentralized ledger technology ensuring data integrity through cryptographic hashing. The China Blockchain Technology and Application Development White Paper (2016) defines it as a chain of sequentially linked data blocks secured by consensus algorithms and distributed storage—a hallmark of the transition from "information internet" to "value internet."
Evolution of Blockchain
- Phase 1.0 (2009–2014): Bitcoin-centric applications.
- Phase 2.0 (2015–2017): Expansion to smart contracts (e.g., Ethereum).
- Phase 3.0 (2018–present): Cross-industry adoption in finance, healthcare, energy, and governance.
Global Patent Trends
Key Insights (2000–2020)
- Peak Filings: 3,819 patents in 2019.
Top Source Countries:
Rank Country Share (%) 1 China 56.47 2 USA 22.98 3 South Korea 9.05
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Market Distribution
- Primary Markets: China (45.98%), USA (18.53%), PCT (12.39%).
Core Technologies and Innovations
Dominant IPC Classifications
- H04L-0009: Secure communication (13.2% of patents).
- G06Q-0020: Payment protocols (12.5%).
- G06F-0021: Cybersecurity (10.6%).
Hot Research Areas
- Applications: Identity authentication, smart contracts, digital assets.
- Technologies: Hash algorithms, consensus mechanisms, PKI encryption.
High-Impact Patents
| Patent ID | Focus Area | Citations |
|---|---|---|
| US20150332283A1 | Healthcare transaction validation | 308 |
| US20170310653A1 | Digital asset management | 192 |
Leading Institutions
Top Domestic Applicants (China)
- Tencent: 462 patents (e.g., anti-tampering systems).
- Alibaba: 385 patents (e.g., privacy-preserving blockchains).
- IBM: Global leader with 58.5% of foreign top-10 patents.
International Collaboration
- Minimal partnerships among top 40 institutions.
- Notable exception: WeBank and Xi’an University (2 joint patents).
Strategic Recommendations
- Expand Global Filings: Prioritize overseas patent applications.
- Boost R&D Investment: Focus on底层技术 (core technologies).
- Enhance Industry-Academia Ties: Accelerate commercial deployment.
FAQs
Q1: Which country leads in blockchain patents?
A1: China holds 56.47% of global filings, surpassing the USA (22.98%).
Q2: What are high-value blockchain patents?
A2: Patents like US20150332283A1 (healthcare validation) with 300+ citations.
Q3: How does IBM utilize blockchain?
A3: Applications include food traceability (Walmart) and financial systems (China UnionPay).
Data sourced from Derwent Innovation (2020). Analysis by中国科学院文献情报中心.
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2. **Structure**: Hierarchical headings (`##`, `###`) and Markdown tables enhance readability.
3. **Anchor Texts**: Strategic links to [OKX](https://www.okx.com/join/BLOCKSTAR) for engagement.