Despite the 2018 bear markets, “institutional money”, a generic term to denote big banks, governments, and corporations, has slowly been making its way into the crypto industry. Although it may be difficult to see on a chart, here are several large companies exploring new patents in blockchain related tech as of July 2018.Blockchain powered payment card verification system.Adjusting account balance on a blockchain.Decentralized asset tracking for supply chain and inventory management.Secure data sharing in a distributed network.Distributed manufacturing history.“Outer Space Digital Logistics System”: Traceable manufactured parts, 3Dprinting.Digital rights management.Access to locked spaces using cryptographic keys.Medical records stored on a blockchain, and obtaining them from a wearable deviceRegistration-Based User-Interface ArchitecturePayment sharing system for vendorsShelf-life management for food products“Blockchain Gaming”Verifying news on a blockchain.This is only a small sample of current blockchain applications. Also, It’s important to note thatthese are only patents; they don’t necessarily prove development. However, it is evidence thatbusinesses are placing bets, or at least hedging, on a future of blockchain.