IBM and UPS Apply for Blockchain-Related Patents, According to USPTO Filings by Cryptovest

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently granted multiple blockchain-related patents to various companies, including IBM and United Parcel Service (UPS).

### IBM
IBM, a leading technology corporation frequently featured in USPTO filings, submitted a patent application on February 13, 2017, for an innovation titled “node characterization in blockchain.” This system would enable a distributed ledger to categorize one or more nodes for specific functions, enhancing the network’s capabilities.

For instance, in a three-node blockchain utilized for digital currency transfers, one node could be designated for anti-money laundering (AML) purposes. This would allow the node to assess whether transactions surpass certain daily limits or involve tracked entities, providing valuable insights into transaction activity.