Open Source or Patented?

Dear Team,

Got a question about who can develop the Algorand blockchain code.

  1. On the website, I noticed the following statement:
    The Algorand node repository is open sourced and publicly available for anyone to audit, use, and build upon. The platform is founded in principles of transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration and maintained by a dedicated community with a shared vision of a decentralized, borderless future.

  2. However, there are a huge list of patent applications listed here:
    https://arxiv.org/pdf/1607.01341.pdf

Can I understand in light of the above, that are the only people allowed to build the code are the founders themselves? Or can other parties not affiliated with Algorand copy the code and build on top of it?

Please provide an explanation.

Thank You
Jin

Hi Jin- Thanks for the question, please check out the COPYING_FAQ Here in Github. I believe it will answer your questions.

Thank you very much Tyler.