THE IMPORTANCE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW NON-FUNGIBLE TOKEN (NFT) TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The article develops the importance and challenges faced by intellectual property in the context of the new non-fungible token technology. Known in Portuguese as a non-fungible token, it promises to revolutionize the way we relate to art, based on unique, non-fungible data units of digital items such as images, music or videos, i.e. something that is endowed with a certain "uniqueness". The NFT is created on Blockchain (technology derived from the Bitcoin cryptocurrency), which guarantees the transparency and immutability of the digital asset. Through their own platforms focused on registering games and works of art, people can register their creations and sell them on these marketplaces, where millionaire auctions have already taken place. It also promises to revolutionize the acquisition of digital goods over the internet and transform the way companies work today. The paper therefore discusses the various forms, peculiarities and applicability of this innovation, with a focus on legal certainty in the light of intellectual property regulations.