Theta Labs Development Department theta networkwas granted U.S. Patent 12,436,819 in October 2025 for a hybrid edge cloud computing architecture designed to support a distributed computing platform. The patent covers a system that combines local edge devices and centralized cloud resources to process artificial intelligence workloads and address issues such as latency in traditional cloud setups.
The approval, issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, marks another step in Theta’s efforts to build a scalable, decentralized network as the company moves from its video streaming blockchain origins to a broader AI-centric infrastructure. The purpose of this architecture is to help enterprises manage AI tasks such as large-scale language model training and inference by dynamically distributing tasks, allocating real-time operations to edge nodes and intensive computations to the cloud.
Theta network and its evolution
Theta Network began operations in 2017 as a video streaming-focused blockchain protocol that enables peer-to-peer content distribution and reduces platform bandwidth costs. The network leverages a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism and introduced tokens that encourage users to share unused computing resources.
By 2023, Theta will expand its reach and EdgeCloud White Paperwe detailed our plans for a decentralized AI cloud platform. In this paper, we outlined a hybrid design that leverages distributed edge nodes in parallel with cloud servers to address the growing demands of machine learning and data processing.
This transition reflects changes in the crypto space, with advances in generative models and real-time applications leading to a surge in demand for AI computing resources in 2025. Theta’s approach places this within the decentralized physical infrastructure network sector (DePIN), where the protocol coordinates global hardware for tasks traditionally managed by centralized providers such as Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud. In this context, Theta sought to create a verifiable and profitable system by patenting a method for automated workload routing and allowing the network to license the technology to other entities.
The company’s announcement, which included a post about X by Theta Network, emphasized the patent’s role in validating technological methods developed over many years. Posts linked to Detailed media articles It describes the patent’s focus on integrating edge and cloud elements to increase efficiency. This evolution from streaming to AI infrastructure included building on existing patents in areas such as peer-to-peer networking and digital rights management.
What is US Patent 12,436,819
The patent, “Hybrid Edge Cloud Computing Architecture for a Distributed Computing Platform,” was awarded to Theta Labs in October 2025. The patent describes a system that integrates edge devices, such as Internet of Things sensors and local servers located near data sources, with cloud infrastructure to form a consistent computing environment. A U.S. Patent and Trademark Office document specifies a method for distributed orchestration that allocates tasks based on specific criteria, such as processing needs or network conditions.
According to a Medium article published by Theta Labs: “Theta Labs has been awarded U.S. Patent 12,436,819 for ‘Hybrid Edge Cloud Computing Architecture for Distributed Computing Platforms,’ which demonstrates the innovative and novel approach to distributed edge networks built by the Theta team.”
This patent can be accessed at: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website or as Downloadable PDF. This approval is based on previous filings, and a complete list of Theta’s patents can be searched through Google Patents under inventor Jieyi Long.
The system targets the limitations of traditional cloud computing, such as long delays and high bandwidth costs due to data transfer. Edge devices handle local processing to minimize latency, and the cloud manages scalability for large-scale operations. This patent secures the communication protocol between nodes and ensures coordination without central bottlenecks.
Key innovations in hybrid architecture
At the core of the patented system is a distributed orchestration layer that dynamically allocates workloads. This layer evaluates tasks in real-time, directs delay-sensitive operations to edge nodes for immediate responses, and routes compute-intensive jobs such as data aggregation to the cloud. Distributed networking protocols facilitate this interaction and enable seamless data flow across platforms.
The architecture consists of three main components.
- Edge nodes form the first part and include devices such as IoT gateways and small servers that are placed close to where the data originates. These units perform initial processing to reduce transmission overhead.
- The second element is the cloud backend, which provides resources for extensive computation that cannot be efficiently managed on edge hardware.
- Finally, the orchestration layer bridges the gap and applies logic based on factors such as resource availability, latency thresholds, and network status.
This setup supports a wide range of users, from small businesses requiring basic processing to large institutions requiring robust scalability. The system is particularly suited for AI applications such as large-scale language model training and inference that optimize performance by balancing local and remote resources.
Integration with Theta EdgeCloud platform
Theta EdgeCloud was launched to serve as a practical implementation of this patented architecture and provide hybrid computing for AI tasks. The platform uses thousands of edge nodes around the world in conjunction with cloud servers to provide access to graphics processing units for model development and deployment.
EdgeCloud includes a dynamic supply and demand mechanism that allocates resources based on user requirements. Operations on this platform will enable cost-effective processing of video transcoding, AI inference, and other compute-intensive processes.
Automating workload distribution reduces the need for users to manually manage infrastructure and makes it more accessible to developers and enterprises. Having these routing methods protected by patents allows Theta to maintain control of the technology and could create licensing opportunities for other cloud providers seeking edge AI integration.
What does this mean for distributed computing and AI?
The hybrid model outlined in this patent will address the surge in AI computing demand in 2025 by decentralizing resources, potentially reducing costs and increasing efficiency for users. In fields where real-time data processing is critical, such as healthcare and self-driving cars, edge and cloud integration can improve responsiveness by leveraging the power of the cloud for complex analytics. Theta’s system also supports blockchain elements, ensuring secure task distribution in a decentralized environment.
Forum discussions highlight how this patent could strengthen Theta’s market position in hybrid computing. Overall, this architecture contributes to broader efforts to make high-performance computing more accessible through distributed networks.
On the other hand, the patent’s focus on automatic routing and coordination protocols could influence future standards for edge AI, where balancing local and remote resources becomes standard practice. As AI workloads grow, such systems could help alleviate bottlenecks in centralized data centers.
conclusion
U.S. Patent 12,436,819 details a hybrid edge-cloud architecture that integrates edge nodes for local processing and a cloud backend for scalability, managed by a distributed orchestration layer that allocates tasks based on latency and resource needs.
Powered by Theta EdgeCloud, the system handles AI workloads such as large-scale language model training and inference, supporting users from small businesses to large institutions. It builds on Theta’s portfolio in decentralized technologies such as peer-to-peer methods and digital rights management, positioning the network in the DePIN space.
This development focuses on the practical application of hybrid models that address latency and cost issues in computing and provides a structured approach to efficiently use resources in AI-driven environments.
source:
- Theta Labs has issued U.S. Patent 12,436,819 for a hybrid edge cloud computing architecture. https://medium.com/theta-network/theta-labs-has-now-been-awarded-us-patent-12-436-819-for-hybrid-edge-cloud-computing-architecture-5397937b8bb6
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent No. 12,436,819: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20250123902A1/ja
- theta network. X Post announces patent award. October 8, 2025. https://x.com/Theta_Network/status/1976001176769343974
