Frequently asked questions

Bernstein can be used to protect ideas, software code, algorithms, designs, logos, trademarks (proof of use), documents, trade secrets, datasets, research notes, and creative works. Beyond single files, Bernstein is especially designed for iterative and ongoing creation processes: you can certify successive versions of the same project over time, capturing how an idea, product, or work evolves. Each certification creates a new immutable record, forming a chronological trail of record that documents the full lifecycle of your intellectual property—from early drafts and prototypes to mature, market-ready assets. See how this applies to fashion and design, trademark proof of use, and defensive publishing.

Bernstein creates a cryptographic fingerprint (hash) of your files and anchors it in a Bitcoin blockchain transaction, producing a permanent, tamper-proof timestamped record that proves prior existence and ownership. See the full process on our How It Works page, or validate a certificate yourself.

No. Bernstein does not replace formal IP registrations (such as patents, trademarks, or copyrights). Instead, it complements and strengthens them by providing independent, blockchain-based evidence that can be used before registration (to prove prior art or prior use), during registration (to support filings and disclosures), and after registration (in enforcement, disputes, audits, or litigation). Bernstein is especially valuable for protecting unregistered IP such as ideas, trade secrets, know-how, software, and early-stage innovations. See how Bernstein compares to traditional IP methods.

Bernstein uses the Bitcoin blockchain because it offers unmatched guarantees in terms of security, decentralization, neutrality, and longevity. Bitcoin is not controlled by any single company or jurisdiction, has been operating continuously for over a decade, and is widely regarded as the most resilient public ledger available. For intellectual property protection—where evidence may need to be verified many years later—Bitcoin provides the strongest long-term assurance that records will remain accessible, verifiable, and tamper-proof. Learn more about blockchain evidence in court.

Yes. Once a Bernstein certificate is created, it is permanent and immutable. The underlying blockchain record cannot be modified, deleted, or revoked. Blockchain timestamps do not expire and do not depend on Bernstein's continued operation. This ensures that proof of existence, integrity, and timestamp remains valid and independently verifiable at any point in the future.

No renewal of the blockchain proof itself is ever required. Credits or an active subscription (depending on the plan in force) are needed to create new certificates and to conveniently access your projects, files, certificates, and related services within the Bernstein platform. Having continued access is primarily about convenience: retrieving files, managing projects, exporting certificates, and using Bernstein's tooling. The proof itself is permanent, immutable, and independently verifiable on the blockchain. Even without active access to Bernstein, the existence, integrity, and timestamp of your certification remain provable without relying on Bernstein as a trusted intermediary. View our pricing plans for details.

No. Bernstein uses a zero-knowledge architecture, which is fundamentally different from traditional cloud services. Your files are encrypted locally in your browser before they are ever stored or processed, and only you control the decryption keys. By contrast, most cloud providers encrypt data on their servers and technically retain the ability to access, decrypt, or disclose your files (for example for maintenance, legal requests, or security operations). With Bernstein, this is cryptographically impossible: Bernstein never has access to your plaintext data, never holds your keys, and cannot read or reconstruct your files. Learn more about our security features.

Bernstein certificates provide strong technical and cryptographic evidence that is increasingly relied upon in IP disputes, litigation, audits, due diligence processes, and commercial negotiations. Each certificate establishes a verifiable link between a digital asset, a precise point in time, and its holder, using cryptography and public blockchain infrastructure rather than trust in a central authority. While Bernstein does not grant legal rights by itself, its certificates are designed to support legal arguments related to prior art, prior use, disclosure timing, and authorship, and are commonly used alongside traditional legal instruments. Read more about blockchain evidence in court.

Bernstein proves originality by creating an independently verifiable, timestamped record showing that you possessed specific content at a precise moment in time. Because this proof is anchored on the blockchain, it cannot be altered retroactively. When used iteratively, Bernstein allows you to demonstrate not just a single act of creation, but the entire creative and development process, strengthening claims of authorship, inventorship, or ownership through a continuous and coherent evidentiary trail. See how it works.

A project in Bernstein is a living container for all files related to a specific IP asset or innovation process, such as a software product, brand, research initiative, or creative work. Projects are designed to evolve over time: each modification, addition, or iteration can be certified, producing a new immutable snapshot. Together, these snapshots form a chronological trail of record that documents how an idea or asset was developed, refined, and brought to maturity. Explore our features for more details.

A Bernstein credit allows you to certify one version of a project at a specific point in time. In practice, this means capturing a snapshot of the project's state—files, structure, and metadata—and anchoring it to the blockchain. When credits are used iteratively, they enable the construction of a detailed evidentiary history that reflects the real-world pace of innovation, development, and collaboration. See our pricing plans for credit packages.

Yes. Bernstein is particularly well suited for startups and R&D teams because it aligns with how innovation actually happens: incrementally, collaboratively, and under uncertainty. Teams use Bernstein to protect early ideas, document progress, secure disclosures before sharing with third parties, and maintain a defensible trail of record throughout product development, fundraising, and go-to-market phases.

Yes. While Bernstein does not replace trademark registration, it is highly effective for creating proof of use and prior use. By certifying branding materials, websites, marketing campaigns, and product documentation over time, Bernstein helps build a robust evidentiary record that can support trademark filings, maintenance requirements, and infringement defenses. Learn more about trademark proof of use.

Yes. Bernstein generates publicly verifiable PDF certificates that can be shared with lawyers, investors, partners, auditors, or courts. These certificates allow third parties to independently verify the authenticity, integrity, and timestamp of the certified content without accessing the underlying confidential files. You can also validate any certificate online.

Absolutely. Creators use Bernstein to establish authorship, copyright ownership, and creation dates for digital art, music, writing, photography, design, and other creative works. By certifying successive versions, creatives can also document their artistic process, which can be particularly valuable in authorship disputes. See our solutions for individuals and fashion and design.

Yes. Bernstein provides global, jurisdiction-agnostic proof based on mathematics and cryptography rather than local legal formalities. This makes its certificates usable across borders and legal systems, especially in international collaborations, disputes, and transactions. Learn more about blockchain evidence in court.

Your certificates remain independently verifiable forever on the blockchain. Bernstein is not a trusted intermediary holding your proof; it merely facilitates its creation. Even if Bernstein were no longer available, the underlying blockchain records would remain accessible and verifiable without relying on the company. You can verify any certificate independently.

Unlike traditional timestamping tools that focus on single, isolated events, Bernstein is designed for continuous, process-oriented IP documentation. It combines Bitcoin blockchain security, zero-knowledge encryption, version history, and global verification to create a comprehensive trail of record that reflects how intellectual property is actually created, developed, and used over time. See how Bernstein compares to traditional IP methods and explore our full feature set.