How IPNexus Verifies Ownership
Before any IP is listed on the registry, IPNexus confirms that the submitting party holds legitimate rights to the asset. Here is exactly what that process looks like.
We do not take ownership claims at face value. Every listing goes through a structured review before it is minted on-chain. This page explains what we check, what we ask for, and what gets recorded.
Submission & Identity Check
The IP owner submits a mint request through IPNexus. We collect basic identity information and confirm the submitter is a real person or registered entity. Identity data is never stored on-chain — only a cryptographic hash of the verified credential is anchored to the registry.
Documents / Evidence Required
- Government-issued ID or business registration
- Contact information and jurisdiction of residence
Ownership Documentation Review
The submitter provides documentation proving they hold rights to the IP. Our team reviews the documents against the relevant registry (USPTO, EUIPO, WIPO, copyright office, etc.) or, for unregistered IP, reviews authorship evidence and chain-of-title documentation.
Documents / Evidence Required
- Patent grant or application number
- Trademark registration certificate
- Copyright registration or authorship declaration
- Assignment agreements if rights were transferred
Conflict & Encumbrance Check
We check for known conflicts — existing licenses that would restrict new licensing, active litigation, co-ownership disputes, or liens. If encumbrances exist, the listing status is set to Pending or Restricted until resolved.
Documents / Evidence Required
- Existing license agreements (if any)
- Litigation status declaration
- Co-owner consent (if applicable)
On-Chain Minting
Once verification is complete, the IP record is minted to the IPNexus smart contract on Ethereum. The on-chain record includes the verification reference ID, the document hash, the jurisdiction, and the licensing terms set by the owner. The owner's identity is stored only as an encrypted credential — not publicly exposed.
Documents / Evidence Required
- Verification reference ID (IPNexus-VRF-XXXX)
- SHA-256 hash of ownership documents
- Licensing terms as set by the rights holder
- Block number and timestamp of minting
What We Do Not Store On-Chain
- Owner's full legal name or personal identity
- Copies of ownership documents
- Financial terms or payment amounts
- Contact details of the rights holder
Sensitive information is held off-chain in encrypted storage. Only the cryptographic hash is anchored to the public ledger, allowing anyone to verify document integrity without exposing private data.
Verification FAQ
Most submissions are reviewed within 3–5 business days. Complex cases involving co-ownership, pending litigation, or international registrations may take longer. You will receive status updates by email throughout the process.
Unregistered IP — such as trade secrets, unpublished software, or common-law trademarks — can still be listed. We require stronger authorship evidence in these cases, such as timestamped creation records, internal documentation, or sworn declarations.
Core ownership records are immutable once minted. Licensing terms can be updated by the verified rights holder through a new on-chain transaction. Any update is recorded as a new block entry, preserving the full history.
IPNexus can flag a listing as Restricted pending resolution of a verified dispute. We do not adjudicate ownership disputes — that remains the domain of courts and IP offices — but we will reflect the outcome of any official ruling in the on-chain record.
Ready to register your IP?
Start a mint request and our team will guide you through the verification process.