About
Story is a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain designed to transform intellectual property (IP) into a programmable, liquid asset class. Founded by Jason Zhao and Seung-yoon Lee, the protocol addresses the "IP bottleneck" in the age of AI, where creative works are often used without attribution or compensation. By tokenizing IP assets ranging from artwork and music to AI training datasets and code, Story allows creators to embed usage terms, licensing agreements, and royalty structures directly into the blockchain's metadata. This "Programmable IP" ensures that whenever an asset is remixed, shared, or commercialized, the original creator is automatically credited and compensated via smart contracts.
The architecture of Story combines an EVM-compatible execution layer with the Cosmos SDK and CometBFT consensus, ensuring high throughput and low transaction costs. Its core innovation, the Proof-of-Creativity protocol, provides a standardized framework for registering IP as on-chain assets (IPAs). These assets are managed through Programmable IP Licenses (PIL), which bridge the gap between digital code and real-world legal enforceability. This system allows for "Open Franchise" models, where developers can build entire ecosystems of derivative works such as games or social media apps while maintaining a transparent and immutable lineage of ownership.
The IP token is the native utility and governance asset of the network. It functions as the "gas" for all on-chain transactions, including IP registration and licensing. Furthermore, the network relies on a Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanism where validators and delegators stake IP tokens to secure the ledger and participate in the Story DAO. As the protocol matures into 2026, it has become a central infrastructure layer for AI-native companies that require "rights-cleared" data, positioning Story as a foundational pillar for a fair and transparent digital economy.
