The Next Step in IP Evolution: Molecule's Proof of Invention
Our latest onchain primitive for scientific IP delivers tangible value where it matters. Because innovation isn’t just a concept; it’s execution.
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6 min read
•Ella McCarthy-Page
Introducing Proof of Invention
Since our founding, Molecule has been working towards a future where scientific collaboration is as seamless and accessible as possible, dedicating ourselves to building primitives that revolutionize the intellectual property system.
We began this journey with the introduction of IP-NFTs, unique tokens that represent intellectual property (IP) rights, making ideas discoverable and tradable. Building upon this, we extended the concept with IP Tokens (IPTs), which enable a crypto-native incentive layer for research. Last year, we pilot-launched another primitive - Proof of Invention (PoI). Today, we’re unveiling it for all.
The Power of Intellectual Property
The latest building block of Molecule’s IP Protocol, Proof of Invention, is designed to empower innovators to protect their ideas with confidence and ease. It provides a timestamped, verifiable proof of creation, establishing indisputable evidence of an invention from the moment of its conception.
With PoI, inventors can:
Secure their intellectual property instantly and affordably—cheaper than filing a provisional patent or even mailing a letter to themselves.
Anchor proof on any public ledger, eliminating the need for expensive and complex traditional IP processes.
Lay the foundation for seamless IP management, including the potential to mint IP-NFTs and tokenize their inventions into IPTs.
Maintain complete portability at no additional cost, crossing geographical barriers in ways traditional systems cannot.
Who Can Leverage Proof of Invention?
For Early-Stage Inventors: PoI is ideal for inventors and researchers who need a secure, affordable way to document their ideas before sharing them with others, eliminating the costs and complexities of provisional patents.
For Decentralized Scientific Communities (like BioDAOs): PoI helps them track innovation, attribute credit to original thinkers, and incentivize new discoveries within their communities.
About the author
Ella McCarthy-Page
BSc(Hons) in Biochemistry and Materials Science. A communicator working at the intersection of biotechnology and web3.
Facilitates IP Tokenization: If an inventor pursues further protection, their onchain proof can be used later in the IP-NFT minting process, enabling tokenization of their intellectual property.
Compatible with traditional IP systems: PoI aligns with existing IP systems, allowing inventors to use it as evidence when filing patents or presenting their idea in legal proceedings.
Effortless and transparent: With just a few clicks, inventors can create a verifiable, immutable proof of their work.
How It Works
Connect: Connect to the platform using either your email or your web3 native wallet, such as Metamask.
Present files: Present the confidential files that describe your novel invention. Inventions remain secret as content is never disclosed.
Generate proof: A unique hash is created and linked to your wallet, proving you're the original creator.
Verify ownership: Easily prove you're the original creator at any point in time by revealing only a portion of your invention.
Proof of Invention has already been shaping the future of onchain scientific IP with early pilot partners paving the way for its full-scale launch. The foundation is set, and the ripple effects are only beginning.
CerebrumDAO & Fission Pharma
CerebrumDAO minted its very first IP-NFT from a PoI, supporting Fission Pharma’s work on a new medicine to help treat diseases linked to aging. Inspired by nature’s blueprint - our very own bodies - the medication targets chronic inflammation that contributes to rare brain diseases. The project raised additional 67+ ETH ($183,000) via an IPT crowdsale - demonstrating the power of Molecule’s IP protocol.
Molecule’s Tech & Product team took a field trip to Cambridge - a historic crucible of scientific innovation where breakthroughs like the computer, DNA helix, in vitro fertilization, and our understanding of gravity first emerged - to get real-time feedback at the Cambridge Biohackathon. The nine final ideas were all registered onchain using PoI.
Pump Science compounds
Pump Science is turning longevity research into a spectator sport, using memecoin tokenomics to fund real scientific advancements.
Next up on the starting line? A set of compounds submitted by the VitaDAO community - each registered onchain using PoI. They’ll be going live on Pump Science soon - turn on post notifications to stay updated.
PsyDAO & OPSY
PsyDAO’s OPSY (Open Psychedelic Science ecosYstem) allows research participants to share data securely while receiving tokenized rewards representing governance rights. The process starts by registering OPSY’s intellectual property onchain using Molecule’s Proof of Invention.
Decentralizing Science with Decentralized Intellectual Property
At Molecule, we are creating a decentralized ecosystem where researchers, innovators, contributors, and patients can collaborate and share their work and experiences without bureaucratic obstacles. We’re putting power back in the hands of the people driving the future of science.
We invite you to join us in shaping the future of decentralized IP management and scientific innovation:
