Can a algorithm be patented ? What about ASICs ? Can Bitmain patent a particular ASIC so that others can't manufacturer an asic for a particular algo without licence from patent holder ?
It's even worse if one is to believe what is written.
https://blog.sia.tech/the-state-of-cryptocurrency-mining-538004a37f9bBitmain is said to play dirty and actively prevents anyone else to develop / manufacture ASICs for mining. They can do this because most competitive chip makers are in China and they have the resources to do what they want.
I have read that article but that doesn't answer my question. I am not asking about Bitmain in particular but about any company if they can patent their ASICs.