Story Protocol, an onchain platform dedicated to intellectual property (IP), has partnered with OpenLedger to unveil a new standard that enables artificial intelligence (AI) systems to legally utilize creative works while ensuring that rights holders receive appropriate compensation. This innovative framework was announced on Thursday, January 29.
The collaboration allows IP registered on Story Protocol to be licensed for AI training and the generation of AI outputs. OpenLedger, recognized as an AI-native blockchain, is set to enforce these licenses within AI systems and facilitate payments to the creators of the original content. According to a press release seen by The Defiant, both companies are developing a shared onchain standard that will comprehensively document ownership, usage rights, and payment protocols for creative works.
This announcement arrives amid a surge in lawsuits related to AI, with many cases throughout 2025 focusing on IP disputes. The challenge arises when AI systems utilize creative material, making it increasingly difficult to monitor usage and ensure that creators are compensated adequately, often leaving rights holders with limited options. The global IP market is currently expanding, with estimates valuing it at over $80 trillion, as reported by the World Intellectual Property Organization in its 2025 Global Innovation Index.
A representative from OpenLedger emphasized the necessity of legal clarity, stating, “AI cannot scale on scraped data and legal ambiguity. If intelligence is becoming economic infrastructure, then intellectual property must be respected, traceable, and monetized by default.” This partnership aims to integrate enforceable rights directly into the AI execution layer.
Moreover, the new system is designed to ensure that AI models exclusively utilize materials for which they have obtained licenses, with the capability to verify usage retrospectively. This approach signifies a pivotal transition from a reactive model of “train now, litigate later” to a proactive stance of “use only what you can prove you”re allowed to use,” as highlighted in the press release.
In market performance, Story Protocol“s native token, IP, experienced a decline of approximately 9% over the past 24 hours, although it has shown gains over the preceding month. Similarly, OpenLedger”s token, OPEN, is down around 7% for the day.
In an evolving landscape where AI technology intersects with creative rights, this partnership between Story Protocol and OpenLedger represents a significant step toward protecting intellectual property while fostering innovation within the AI sector.
