Tiered blockchain framework: A secure, trustworthy, and cost-efficient solution for the digital rights protection
Open accessAbstract
Protecting intellectual property (IP) in the digital age presents significant challenges due to rapid technological advancements and industrial growth. Traditional methods of registering and securing IP are becoming increasingly ineffective. To address these challenges, a more robust system is needed to control access, prevent unauthorized use, and safeguard digital rights. Despite efforts to transition from central registries to encrypted systems, vulnerabilities still exist that can compromise IP security. Therefore, a comprehensive solution must ensure legal use, prevent misuse, and enhance overall IP protection. This study introduces a robust framework designed to prioritize IP security and protection while addressing financial considerations. Our tiered Blockchain-based approach features logically segregated layers governed by smart contracts, which control access based on predefined agreements set by the IP owner. A common application interface (CAI) via smart contracts simplifies common operation with regard to an IP. The decentralized nature of Blockchain technology ensures unassailable trust, availability, and security. Additionally, we employ a flexible off-chain identity verification and storage mechanism for quick access and improved processing capabilities. Financial aspects tied to digital rights are managed through Blockchain's oracle services, ensuring seamless integration and management. Our integrated solution provides a reliable platform for IP protection, validated through thorough performance evaluations across diverse real-world scenarios. This framework demonstrates significant improvements in efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional IP protection methods. By leveraging Blockchain's immutable ledger and decentralized network, we enhance the traceability and accountability of IP transactions, reinforcing legal compliance and reducing disputes. Ultimately, this approach ensures that IP is safeguarded, valued, and shared in a manner that benefits creators, consumers, and society as a whole. The rigorous analysis showed significant enhancements in process optimization, technology adoption, efficiency, and cost reduction compared to traditional IP rights protection practices.
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The existence of a blockchain network provides an alternative mechanism for creating records of ownership using immutable smart contracts.
“The existence of a blockchain network provides an alternative mechanism for creating records of ownership using immutable smart contracts6.”
From DBpHash: a blockchain-based dual-band perceptual hashing framework for copyright protection of purely chromatic background images (2026) · cites this paper as [6]
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“Tiered blockchain architectures help improve scalability and reduce operational cost 6 .”
- Authors
- Hanif, M., Munir, E. U., Rehan, M. M., Ahmad, S. G., Khan, I., & Setchi, R.
- Affiliations
- COMSATS University Islamabad (PK)
- Cardiff Metropolitan University (GB)
- Cardiff University (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Khan, Imtiaz
- ORCID
- Venue
- Blockchain: Research and Applications
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2025-12
- Volume
- 6
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 100308
- ISSN
- 2096-7209 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4410360849
- Cited by
- 3
- References
- 55
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3
- FWCI
- 3.15
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Blockchain Research and Applications (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- CLOK (University of Central Lancashire) (acceptedVersion)
- ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University) (acceptedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Digital Rights Management and Security
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Blockchain Technology in Education and Learning
- Keywords
- blockchain, intellectual property protection, digital rights management, smart contracts, blockchain oracles, distributed access control, cost efficiency
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