Malikie Innovations, patent trolls extraordinaire, are back at it again, this time setting their sights on Bitcoin. Core Scientific and Marathon Digital are their first targets. Honestly, let’s not kid ourselves – this attack was on all of us. Specifically, they’re accusing Bitcoin’s use of Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) of infringing on these ancient patents. ECC? The bedrock of Bitcoin security? This all goes beyond mere legal wrangling; this is an existential threat. We’re sure as hell not going to let them win.

Bitcoin's Code Is Everyone's Code

Think about it. These trolls are trying to gatekeep math. They want to charge us for using a well-known, widely used, basic cryptographic technique that’s been in the public domain for 30 years. It's like trying to patent the wheel! This isn’t even about protecting innovation, it’s about extorting it.

This moment is reminiscent of the early internet. At the time, companies were trying to lay claim to ownership of the basic protocols, such as HTTP. Had they won, we wouldn’t have the internet we have today. We cannot allow Bitcoin to be the personification of the definition of insanity. Our freedom to innovate is at stake.

ECC's Deep Roots In Public Domain

The audacity! They're claiming ownership over ECC, something that's been built upon and improved by countless cryptographers for decades. It’s similar to saying you came up with the idea of breathing because you happened to breathe really deep one day.

ECC is foundational. It’s the digital equivalent of the Gutenberg press, allowing information, ideas, and secure transactions to flow freely. Allowing these trolls to run the show would be just as bad as allowing one company to dictate the flow of information.

How We Fight Back Together

So, what can we do? We shouldn’t have to stand idly by while Bitcoin gets strangled by legal red tape. We need to take our fight to them, we need to fight them back hard. Here's how we can crush these patent trolls:

  1. Fund The Legal Fight Now

    This is war, and war requires resources. Donate to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) or other organizations dedicated to defending digital rights. Every dollar counts. Think of it as an investment in the future of Bitcoin. It's like buying insurance for the entire network.Consider setting up recurring donations.

  2. File Inter Partes Review (IPR)

    This is how we challenge the validity of these patents. It's a technical process, but the more people involved, the better. Even if you're not a cryptography expert, you can contribute by researching prior art and sharing relevant information. Here's a simple table to keep track:

    ActionDescriptionResources
    Research Prior ArtFind evidence that ECC was used before patents.Google Scholar, academic papers, old cryptography forums.
    File IPROfficially challenge patent validity.Consult with a patent lawyer specializing in IPR.
    Share InfoSpread information on social media.Use hashtag #DefendBitcoin, engage with relevant communities.

  3. Amplify The Message Loudly

    Use social media to spread awareness. Share this article, write your own posts, and use the hashtag #DefendBitcoin. Let the world know that we won't stand for this. Make it trend! Let's show them the power of a decentralized movement.

  4. Demand Patent Reform Now

    Contact your elected officials and demand patent reform. The current system is broken and allows these trolls to thrive. Tell them that patents should protect genuine innovation, not stifle it. Our voices, united, can influence policy.

  5. Support Crypto Innovation Always

    Support developers working on alternative cryptographic solutions. The more options we have, the less vulnerable we are to these kinds of attacks. Invest in projects that are pushing the boundaries of cryptography. Think of it as diversifying our security portfolio.

This isn’t only about Bitcoin. This is about the future of innovation. If we sit idly by and allow these trolls to win, they will continue to create a dangerous precedent. Then they’ll go after Ethereum, after other cryptocurrencies, after open-source projects, after anything else that’s convenient and lucrative for them.

We Are The Bitcoin Defense Force

Recall the fights we fought against patent trolls in the podcasting and Wi-Fi industries on the podcast. They were not lost — just like these communities — because these communities stood up and fought back. We can do the same for Bitcoin.

Paul Grewal of Coinbase is right: patent trolls are barriers to innovation and must be stopped. And we are the ones they’re counting on to do it.

We are Bitcoin. Our strength is in our numbers. Let's show them what we're made of! Together we can defeat these patent trolls and make sure that decentralized innovation has a bright future.

We are Bitcoin. Our strength is in our numbers. Let's show them what we're made of! Let's crush these patent trolls and protect the future of decentralized innovation.