Abstract—A significant discussion on the topic of blockchain as a solution to the issues of intellectual property highlights the relevance that this topic holds. Some experts label this technology as destructive since it holds immense potential to change course of traditional practices. The extent and areas to which this technology can be of use are still being researched. This paper provides an in- depth review on the intellectual property and blockchain technology. Further it explores what makes blockchain suitable for intellectual property, the practical solutions available and the support different governments are offering. This paper further studies the framework of universities in context of its outputs and how can they be streamlined using blockchain technology. The paper concludes by discussing some limitations and future research question. Keywords—Blockchain, decentralization, open innovation, intellectual property, patents, university-industry relationship. I. INTRODUCTION LOCKCHAIN is part of a wider technology known as distributed ledger technology. The word blockchain is commonly used in the context of the electronic currency and is highly associated with Bitcoin. This technology is being remarked as a disruptive technology and the fifth computing paradigm [1]. Blockchain gained recognition in form of cryptocurrency ´Bitcoin; however, the uses have been expanding along with the investment and modification in law to support it. Blockchain´s main features include decentralization, security and irrefutability. These features make blockchain an ideal medium for protection of intellectual property. This idea of securing intellectual property through blockchain has been gaining a considerable acceptance. The traditional strategies to protect the intellectual asset vary with the nature of the property itself and its future use. Blockchain can be used as an open system or it can be a developed as a private and permissioned system for protection of intellectual assets. Amongst various bodies that are involved with creation of intellectual assets, universities have a considerable share. This share has evolved with time in response to the changing M. Ismail is working as a Post Graduate Researcher with Universidad Pública de Navarra in the Field of Open Innovation, Spain (corresponding author, e-mail: muhammad.ismail@unavarra.es). E. Grifell-Tatjé is currently Professor of Management and Business Economics in the Department of Business at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain (e-mail Emili.Grifell@uab.cat). A. Paz is Executive Director at Knowledge Innovation Market, Spain (e- mail: apaz@kimglobal.com). dynamics of the society. Universities have acted by adapting to these needs and have broadened their scope of work from being just a teaching institute to having specialized in research and the entrepreneurial partnership [2]. This involvement has led to creation of intellectual wealth which requires protection for commercial or noncommercial use. This paper examines the uses of blockchain for protection of intellectual assets, its legal and commercial acceptability. Second part of the paper search for ways to use blockchain and replace or improve the current transfer and protection strategies of university´s output [3]. The study is based on the original idea first introduced by a writer who published his work under a pseudo name Satoshi Nakamoto [4] which solely talks about the use of blockchain in context of the currency. The use of same technology for protecting the intellectual asset has been discussed in many short articles and technology magazines. The in-depth research work was conducted by Martin Zeilinger who explores the possibility to create markets for digital art using the blockchain technology and replace the traditional copy right system [5]. The other brief proposals on uses of blockchain include digital identity system, freedom of speech, governance system, democracy and voting system [1]. This paper adds by studying other intellectual property protection strategies, the acceptability of this idea amongst investors and governments. This study introduces the application of blockchain as a complete solution for any academic or research institute under the framework of technological innovation and intellectual property. The research method used to conduct the study is monitoring and intelligence method for forecasting technology (see Appendix) [6]. The research is based on research papers, research articles, chapters from books, expert opinions and study of the support extended by several governments for this technology. The objective of this paper was to develop (a) understanding of blockchain and intellectual property (b) analyze what makes blockchain ideal solution for intellectual property (c) sketch the main functions of a university and how blockchain can support them. The next section of the paper discusses the broad aspect of intellectual property and the strategies used for its protection, followed by explanation of blockchain and how can it help overcome the weaknesses of the existing system. The last section explains role of universities and how blockchain can help to make things easier with respect to intellectual property Technology Assessment: Exploring Possibilities to Encounter Problems Faced by Intellectual Property through Blockchain M. Ismail, E. Grifell-Tatjé, A. Paz B World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology International Journal of Computer and Information Engineering Vol:13, No:7, 2019 368 International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 13(7) 2019 ISNI:0000000091950263 Open Science Index, Computer and Information Engineering Vol:13, No:7, 2019 waset.org/Publication/10010547