A blockchain-based software copyright protection method

By generating unique digital fingerprints on the blockchain and setting smart contract rules, the shortcomings of traditional software copyright protection methods are addressed, achieving the immutability and trustworthiness of software copyright and improving the efficiency and reliability of copyright protection.

CN122133118APending Publication Date: 2026-06-02SICHUAN BAIXUN ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT CONSULTING CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SICHUAN BAIXUN ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT CONSULTING CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-03-03
Publication Date
2026-06-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional software copyright protection methods rely on centralized institutions, making it difficult to monitor software usage in real time. This results in the difficulty of detecting piracy and infringement in a timely manner, and also leads to low efficiency in rights protection.

Method used

By using blockchain technology to develop smart contracts, a unique digital fingerprint is generated and stored on the blockchain to form a chain structure. The smart contract sets authorization rules and restrictions, monitors software usage in real time, and provides credible evidence of infringement.

Benefits of technology

It ensures the immutability and credibility of software copyright, guarantees the security and traceability of copyright information, and improves the efficiency of rights protection and the reliability of copyright protection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention relates to the field of software copyright protection using blockchain. Specifically, it relates to a blockchain-based method for software copyright protection. The method includes the following steps: selecting a blockchain platform and developing a smart contract on the platform; registering the software copyright based on the smart contract; verifying the registered software copyright information via network verification to confirm the legality of the registered software; providing real-time privacy protection for the verified software copyright data; periodically monitoring the software copyright chain on the blockchain; and operating a visual interface to query software copyright information. This invention utilizes blockchain technology and encryption algorithms to achieve software copyright registration and verification. By generating a unique digital fingerprint and storing it in blocks on the blockchain to form a chain structure, the immutability and trustworthiness of the software copyright can be ensured. Simultaneously, by leveraging the distributed storage and decentralized characteristics of blockchain, the security and trustworthiness of copyright information are ensured.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of software copyright protection using blockchain, and more specifically, to a blockchain-based method for software copyright protection. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the internet, software piracy and infringement are rampant, posing a challenge to software developers in terms of copyright protection. Traditional software copyright protection methods often rely on centralized licensing agencies, which cannot monitor software usage in real time. This makes it difficult to detect software piracy and infringement in a timely manner, resulting in losses to the rights and interests of software developers. Moreover, traditional software copyright protection methods struggle to obtain evidence of infringement for unauthorized software copies or infringing acts, leading to low efficiency in rights protection. Therefore, this paper proposes a blockchain-based software copyright protection method. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a blockchain-based software copyright protection method to solve the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, a blockchain-based software copyright protection method is provided, comprising the following steps: S1. Select a blockchain platform and develop smart contracts on the blockchain platform; S2. Register the software copyright based on the smart contract of S1; S3. Verify the software copyright registration information of S2 through network verification to obtain the legality of the registered software; S4. Protect the privacy of the software copyright data verified in S3 in real time. S5. Regularly monitor the software copyright chain on the blockchain and collect evidence of infringement; S6. Operate the visual interface to query software copyright information.

[0005] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the steps for developing smart contracts on the blockchain platform in step S1 are as follows: S1.1 Select a suitable blockchain platform. The platform should support smart contract functionality and a data structure for storing digital fingerprints. S1.2 Develop smart contracts on the selected blockchain platform.

[0006] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the steps of S2 for software copyright registration are as follows: S2.1 Based on the smart contract of S1.2, a unique digital fingerprint is generated by using an encryption algorithm to transmit software copyright-related information. S2.2 Store the digital fingerprint in a new block on the blockchain; S2.3. Based on the previous block of the new block, record the digital fingerprint of the previous software copyright to form a chain structure.

[0007] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the encryption algorithm uses a hash function to generate a unique digital fingerprint. The specific algorithm steps of the hash function are as follows: Initialization: Define the initial state of the hash function; Compression: Arranging and processing the input message according to the data block method to obtain a fixed-length "intermediate value"; Iteration: The intermediate value is used as the input for the next iteration until the final hash value is obtained; Output: Output the hash value.

[0008] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the S3 step of verifying the copyright of the registered software is as follows: S3.1 Obtain the software copyright information mentioned in S2.1; S3.2. Verify the legality of the registered software copyright information through online verification.

[0009] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the S4 step for protecting the verified software copyright data is as follows: S4.1. Protect the copyright information verified in S3.2 using an encryption algorithm to protect the software copyright-related information stored on the blockchain; S4.2. Use smart contracts to restrict information contained in software copyright and to properly anonymize information related to user privacy.

[0010] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the information desensitization technology includes the following methods: Data anonymization, data disturbance, and field deletion.

[0011] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the S5 periodic detection of software copyright chain steps are as follows: S5.1 Design the authorization rules and restrictions in smart contracts to ensure the legitimate use by the authorized party; S5.2 Establish a monitoring mechanism to monitor the copyright chain on the blockchain, and use the copyright chain records and smart contracts on the blockchain to provide credible evidence.

[0012] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the S6 step of querying software copyright information is as follows: S6.1, Visualized user interface for operation; S6.2 The visual user interface is connected to the blockchain system, making it easy to query software copyright information.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. This blockchain-based software copyright protection method utilizes blockchain technology and encryption algorithms to register and verify software copyrights. By generating a unique digital fingerprint and storing it in blocks on the blockchain to form a chain structure, the immutability and trustworthiness of software copyrights can be ensured. At the same time, users can verify the legality of software copyrights by querying the copyright chain on the blockchain and comparing the digital fingerprint. By leveraging the distributed storage and decentralized characteristics of blockchain, the security and trustworthiness of copyright information are ensured.

[0014] 2. Blockchain-based copyright protection methods also include regularly monitoring the software copyright chain on the blockchain. By querying the copyright chain on the blockchain, the authorization chain and process of software copyright can be traced, ensuring the legal transfer of copyright and the traceability of authorization. At the same time, smart contracts are used to set authorization rules and restrictions, and to monitor the use of software to ensure compliance with authorization regulations. This reminds licensors and licensees to abide by copyright agreements, and when unauthorized software copies or infringements are discovered, credible evidence is provided using the copyright chain records and smart contracts on the blockchain, enabling appropriate legal measures to be taken to protect rights. The copyright chain records and smart contracts on the blockchain provide credible evidence, offering a more reliable and efficient means of protecting rights. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an overall flowchart of the present invention; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the development of smart contracts for this invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the digital fingerprint storage process of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the network verification software copyright process of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the software copyright desensitization process of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the copyright chain detection process of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the software copyright query process for the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] Please see Figures 1-7 As shown, a blockchain-based software copyright protection method is provided, including the following steps: S1. Select a blockchain platform and develop smart contracts on the blockchain platform; The steps for developing smart contracts on a blockchain platform using S1 are as follows: S1.1 Select a suitable blockchain platform. The platform should support smart contract functionality and a data structure for storing digital fingerprints. S1.2 Develop smart contracts on the selected blockchain platform.

[0018] By choosing a suitable blockchain platform, such as Ethereum or Hyperledger Fabric, which supports smart contract functionality and data structures for storing digital fingerprints, smart contracts can be developed on the blockchain platform. Ethereum is an open-source, decentralized blockchain platform that supports the development and operation of smart contracts and decentralized applications. Smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain can achieve programmable automation, thereby providing more flexible transaction and application scenarios. Ethereum has a wide range of applications in decentralized finance, digital assets, games, and digital identity.

[0019] A smart contract is an automated contract based on blockchain technology that executes on the blockchain network. It uses a coding language to describe contract terms and automatically executes contract rules to ensure transparency, security, and reliability. Smart contracts do not require the intervention of third-party institutions; instead, the code executes automatically, reducing human error and interference from intermediaries. The implementation of smart contracts can realize complex applications such as financial transactions, technology services, and logistics management, and features good scalability and immutability.

[0020] S2. Register the software copyright based on the smart contract of S1; The steps for S2 to register software copyright are as follows: S2.1, based on S1.2, uses an encryption algorithm to generate a unique digital fingerprint for software copyright-related information; S2.2 Store the digital fingerprint in a new block on the blockchain; S2.3. Based on the digital fingerprint of the previous software copyright recorded in the previous block of the new block, a chain structure is formed; Encryption algorithms use hash functions to generate unique digital fingerprints. The specific steps of a hash function algorithm are as follows: Initialization: Define the initial state of the hash function; Compression: Arranging and processing the input message according to the data block method to obtain a fixed-length "intermediate value"; Iteration: The intermediate value is used as the input for the next iteration until the final hash value is obtained; Output: Output the hash value.

[0021] By generating unique digital fingerprints for software copyright-related information using encryption algorithms and storing them in blocks on the blockchain to form a chain structure, the authorization chain and process of software copyright can be traced by querying the copyright chain on the blockchain. This ensures the legal transfer of copyright and the traceability of authorization. Simultaneously, smart contracts are used to set authorization rules and restrictions, monitor software usage, ensure compliance with authorization regulations, remind licensors and licensees to abide by copyright agreements, and identify unauthorized software copies or infringements. The copyright chain records and smart contracts on the blockchain provide credible evidence, enabling appropriate legal measures to be taken to protect rights. Utilizing the credible evidence provided by the copyright chain records and smart contracts on the blockchain offers a more reliable and efficient means of rights protection, ensuring the security and credibility of copyright information.

[0022] S3. Verify the software copyright registration information in S2 to determine the legality of the registered software. The steps for S3 to verify the copyright of registered software are as follows: S3.1 Obtain software copyright information from S2.1; S3.2. Verify the legality of the registered software copyright information through online verification.

[0023] By leveraging blockchain technology and encryption algorithms, software copyright registration and verification can be achieved. A unique digital fingerprint is generated and stored in blocks on the blockchain, forming a chain structure that ensures the immutability and trustworthiness of software copyrights. Users can also verify the legality of their software copyrights by querying the copyright chain on the blockchain and comparing the digital fingerprint.

[0024] S4. Protect the privacy of software copyright data verified by S3 in real time. S4 takes the following steps to protect the verified software copyright data: S4.1. Protect the copyright information verified in S3.2 through encryption algorithms, and protect the software copyright-related information stored on the blockchain; S4.2. Use smart contracts to restrict information contained in software copyright and to properly anonymize information related to user privacy. Information anonymization techniques include the following methods: Data anonymization: Replacing sensitive data with any value or text to avoid leaking sensitive information; Data perturbation: Fine-tuning or perturbing the data to keep its appearance unchanged; Field deletion: Completely remove sensitive data from the database to eliminate the risk of data leakage. However, it should be noted that deleting data may affect the functionality and availability of the application.

[0025] Encryption algorithms are used to protect copyright information. Software copyright-related information stored on the blockchain is protected by encryption algorithms to prevent unauthorized access and tampering, and to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of software copyright.

[0026] The basic idea of ​​encryption algorithms is to convert the original information into unrecognizable ciphertext through certain mathematical operations. Only users with the corresponding key can convert the ciphertext back into the original information. Encryption algorithms can be divided into two types: symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption.

[0027] Symmetric encryption algorithms use the same key to encrypt and decrypt data. This encryption method is relatively fast, but it requires secure management and distribution of keys. Common symmetric encryption algorithms include DES and AES.

[0028] Asymmetric encryption algorithms use a pair of different keys for encryption and decryption. One key is made public and called the public key, while the other key is kept secret and called the private key. Users can use the public key to encrypt information and the private key to decrypt it. Asymmetric encryption algorithms offer higher security but are slower. Common asymmetric encryption algorithms include RSA and ECC.

[0029] S5. Regularly monitor the software copyright chain on the blockchain and collect evidence of infringement; The steps for S5 to periodically check the software copyright chain are as follows: S5.1 Design the authorization rules and restrictions in smart contracts to ensure the legitimate use by the authorized party; S5.2 Establish a monitoring mechanism to monitor the copyright chain on the blockchain, and use the copyright chain records and smart contracts on the blockchain to provide credible evidence.

[0030] Recommendations for ensuring the legal use of smart contracts by designing authorization rules and restrictions: Limit the scope of use: The smart contract should clearly specify the products, services, time range, geographical range, etc. that the authorized party can use to ensure legal use; Define the purpose of use: Smart contracts can specify the specific purpose and use of the product or service by the authorized party. During the contract period, the authorized party must abide by this agreement and ensure that the purpose of using the product or service is legal and meets the requirements of the licensor. Regulatory access: To ensure that authorized parties use products and services only in an appropriate manner, access restriction rules can be established in smart contracts, such as login frequency limits, time limits, regional restrictions, and function access. Different role accounts can also be set up to set different permissions for different functions. Copyright Protection: Smart contracts can set explicit copyright protection clauses. These include prohibitions against using or copying the software beyond the scope defined by standards; prohibitions against using the software for illegal purposes or being associated with any illegal activities; and prohibitions against disclosing any part of the software. Restricting unauthorized use: Smart contracts can establish corresponding penalties, such as considering violations of authorization rules as infringement and breach of contract, and requiring corresponding compensation to the authorizing party, in order to avoid infringement, misappropriation and other behaviors.

[0031] By using smart contracts to manage the transfer and licensing of software copyrights, copyright holders and transferees can reach a copyright transfer agreement through smart contracts and record the transfer details in the smart contracts. At the same time, copyright holders and licensees can reach a copyright licensing agreement through smart contracts. The smart contracts record the licensing rules and restrictions. By using smart contracts, the transfer and licensing of copyrights can be automated and programmable, ensuring the legality and accuracy of the transfer and licensing of copyrights. Blockchain-based copyright protection methods also include authorization tracing and usage monitoring functions. By querying the copyright chain on the blockchain, the authorization chain and process of software copyright can be traced, ensuring the legal transfer of copyright and the traceability of authorization. At the same time, smart contracts are used to set authorization rules and restrictions and monitor the use of software to ensure compliance with authorization regulations, reminding licensors and licensees to abide by copyright agreements. By using blockchain and smart contracts to realize authorization tracing and monitoring functions, the controllability and credibility of copyright protection are enhanced.

[0032] The steps to check software copyright information in S6 are as follows: S6. Operate the visual interface to query software copyright information; S6.1, Visualized user interface for operation; S6.2 The visual user interface is connected to the blockchain system, making it easy to query software copyright information.

[0033] By operating the visual interface, the visual user interface system is connected to the blockchain system, allowing users to easily query software copyright information, transfer copyrights, and authorize others to use the information.

[0034] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended technical solutions and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A software copyright protection method based on blockchain, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. Select a blockchain platform and develop smart contracts on the blockchain platform; S2. Register the software copyright based on the smart contract of S1; the steps of registering the software copyright in S2 are as follows: S2.1 Based on the smart contract, generate a unique digital fingerprint for the software copyright information using an encryption algorithm; S2.2 Store the digital fingerprint in a new block on the blockchain; S2.

3. Based on the previous block of the new block in S2.2, record the digital fingerprint of the previous software copyright to form a chain structure; S3. Verify the software copyright registration information of S2 through network verification to obtain the legality of the registered software; S4. Perform privacy protection on the software copyright data verified in S3 in real time; the steps for protecting the verified software copyright data are as follows: S4.

1. Protect the copyright information verified in S3.2 using an encryption algorithm to protect the software copyright-related information stored on the blockchain; S4.

2. Use smart contracts to restrict information contained in software copyright and desensitize information related to user privacy; S5. Regularly monitor the software copyright chain on the blockchain and collect evidence of infringement; S6. Operate the visual interface to query software copyright information.

2. The software copyright protection method based on blockchain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steps for developing smart contracts on the blockchain platform using S1 are as follows: S1.1 Select a suitable blockchain platform. The platform should support smart contract functionality and a data structure for storing digital fingerprints. S1.2 Develop smart contracts on the selected blockchain platform.

3. The software copyright protection method based on blockchain according to claim 2, characterized in that: The encryption algorithm uses a hash function to generate a unique digital fingerprint. The specific algorithm steps of the hash function are as follows: Initialization: Define the initial state of the hash function; Compression: Arranging and processing the input message according to the data block method to obtain a fixed-length "intermediate value"; Iteration: The intermediate value is used as the input for the next iteration until the final hash value is obtained; Output: Output the hash value.

4. The software copyright protection method based on blockchain according to claim 3, characterized in that: The steps for verifying the copyright of registered software in S3 are as follows: S3.1 Obtain the software copyright information mentioned in S2.1; S3.

2. Verify the legality of the registered software copyright information through online verification.

5. The software copyright protection method based on blockchain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The S4.2 information desensitization technology includes the following methods: Data anonymization, data disturbance, and field deletion.

6. The software copyright protection method based on blockchain according to claim 5, characterized in that: The steps for periodically detecting the software copyright chain using S5 are as follows: S5.1 Design the authorization rules and restrictions in smart contracts to ensure the legitimate use by the authorized party; S5.2 Establish a monitoring mechanism to monitor the copyright chain on the blockchain, and use the copyright chain records and smart contracts on the blockchain to provide credible evidence.

7. The software copyright protection method based on blockchain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steps for querying software copyright information using S6 are as follows: S6.1, Visualized user interface for operation; S6.2 The visual user interface is connected to the blockchain system, making it easy to query software copyright information.