How Blockchain and AI Are Revolutionizing Intellectual Property Management

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape digital content creation and consumption at an extraordinary pace, intellectual property (IP) has become an increasingly critical and valuable asset. This transformation has underscored the pressing need for an "internet-native" IP infrastructure powered by blockchain to address inefficiencies and barriers in the current IP transaction ecosystem.

Speaking at the Blockchain Festa 2025 in Seoul, Chase Chang, Korea Representative of Story, laid out his vision for the future of intellectual property in a session titled "Story: Powering the Future of IP." Chang emphasized how the rise of AI has dramatically amplified IP’s importance, calling for a revolutionary approach to managing these intangible assets in an interconnected digital era.

"Intellectual property is becoming the new oil in this era of AI advancement," Chang stated. "To fully realize its potential, we need an ‘internet-native IP system’ designed to function seamlessly alongside AI technologies and the digital economy."

The Challenges of Current IP Transactions

The existing structure for IP transactions is rife with inefficiencies, primarily due to the involvement of intermediaries like lawyers, large agencies, and platform operators. This complexity not only inflates costs but also constrains access to IP monetization opportunities for creators.

"Today's IP transactions are burdened with protracted negotiations and limited revenue streams, making it cumbersome for creators to commercialize their work effectively," Chang explained. "Additionally, these systems fall short in safeguarding creators’ rights, particularly when AI leverages their work for data processing or content generation."

This cumbersome framework highlights the need for an updated IP management system that is more accessible, transparent, and efficient for both creators and rights holders.

Blockchain as the Solution: The "IP Block"

To tackle these inefficiencies, Chang introduced a blockchain-based solution for IP management, referred to as the "IP Block."

"This system breaks intellectual property into smaller, tradable units, streamlining its registration, transactions, and creative remixing," Chang noted. "It automates royalty distributions and records ownership transparently, empowering creators and businesses to utilize IP more flexibly and efficiently."

The IP Block system has the potential to dismantle traditional barriers, allowing diverse stakeholders—creators, businesses, and consumers—to seamlessly engage with IP assets in a more scalable and democratized manner.

Real-World Applications: Projects Leading the Future

Chang highlighted examples of ongoing initiatives that showcase the innovative potential of blockchain-based IP infrastructures.

One notable project is music IP investment platform Aria, which raised an impressive $7 million in funding within just seven minutes. Aria has secured rights to works from global music icons such as BTS, BLACKPINK, and Justin Bieber, allowing fans and investors to directly engage with and benefit from IP assets.

Another initiative, Ablo, applies AI to fashion by creating AI-generated models. This platform collaborates with premium brands like Crocs, Smiley, and Dolce & Gabbana to revolutionize design and product commercialization.

Chang also spotlighted Magma, a platform enabling creative collaboration, and Emergence, a narrative-driven blockchain project spearheaded by David S. Goyer. These projects demonstrate the power of blockchain-backed IP systems to support innovation while expanding the applications of intellectual property across various creative industries.

Intellectual Property as a Financial Asset

Chang stressed a paradigm shift in how intellectual property is perceived, transitioning from a static right to a dynamic, tradable financial asset.

"At Story, we don’t merely view intellectual property as something to be protected. Instead, we see it as a liquid, scalable asset that drives financial opportunities," Chang remarked.

By redefining IP as a financial instrument, Story envisions a collaborative ecosystem where creators, fans, and businesses all contribute to and share in its value. This reimagined IP infrastructure fosters partnerships, accelerates innovation, and unlocks new revenue streams.

A Transformative Future for IP

The convergence of blockchain and AI marks a significant turning point for intellectual property management, signaling an era of immense opportunities for creators and businesses alike. Chang’s vision offers a glimpse into an interconnected future, where blockchain-based transparency and AI-driven creativity harmonize to create a more equitable, efficient, and dynamic IP landscape.

As this paradigm shift unfolds, the collaborative, scalable potential of IP will revolutionize how intellectual assets are created, shared, and monetized in the digital age.