Blockchain IP terminology

Plain-language definitions for the proof methods, standards, and legal concepts behind mltio.

SHA-256
A cryptographic hash function that produces a unique 64-character fingerprint of any file. Changing one bit of the file produces a completely different hash.
Maximum proof
mltio's free certificate combining OpenTimestamps, RFC 3161 EU TSA, and Sigstore Rekor in one attestation.
OP_RETURN
A Bitcoin transaction output type that embeds up to 80 bytes of data on-chain — used to permanently store your file hash.
OpenTimestamps (OTS)
A decentralized timestamping protocol that anchors hashes to the Bitcoin blockchain via calendar servers.
Sigstore Rekor
A public transparency log maintained by the Sigstore project. Each entry has a UUID verifiable at rekor.sigstore.dev.
RFC 3161 / TSA
Qualified timestamp tokens from recognized Time Stamping Authorities — legally recognized under EU eIDAS.
Evidence pack
A JSON export with certificate metadata, verification instructions, and links to independent proof sources.
Zero-knowledge vault
Client-side AES-256-GCM encryption before upload. mltio stores only ciphertext — your passphrase never leaves your device.