The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is testing innovative blockchain solutions to improve its ability to protect businesses from intellectual property theft, the agency said in a statement.
A recent test showed how blockchain technology can protect intellectual property rights on U.S. imports, as well as sensitive information transmitted between multiple parties using a single, streamlined platform.
«Supporting American innovation and ingenuity by defending intellectual property rights has always been a critical part of CBP's mission.“said Brenda Smith, Executive Assistant Commissioner for CBP’s Office of Trade.This pilot represents great potential to unite new technologies with our traditional commercial mission; to protect the United States economy."He added.
Secure transactions
Blockchain is a digital ledger that provides a secure, tamper-proof record of transactions. Sensitive data, such as personally identifiable information and trade secrets, are kept secure through the use of encrypted keys.
Technology is critical to combating IPR violations by enabling CBP to securely and efficiently exchange data with manufacturers, retailers, rights holders, and importers.
When using a single point of access on the blockchain, the test allowed the agency to leverage the technology to properly connect data to the product and license, resulting in fewer physical examinations. This was achieved through blockchain interoperability, meaning that each organization involved in a transaction can communicate with others using its own blockchain, regardless of the different software used by each party, allowing businesses the flexibility to select and customize the technology that suits their needs.
Companies participating in this system experience cost savings as the platform eliminates the need to rebuild a blockchain every time a new entity with different software participates.
This test is the first of its kind to facilitate blockchain interoperability using open and standardized approaches.. This will help create a framework for rapid adoption and cost reduction. These specifications were funded by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and tested by the CBP Office of Trade and contributed to the global standardization process in the World Wide Web Consortium.
"We are excited to apply these innovative solutions to the protection of intellectual property rights. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we continue to enhance CBP's business intelligence capabilities to advance trade facilitation, security, and enforcement objectives. "said James Byram, Executive Director of CBP's Office of Trade Transformation.
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