The ORE protocol specifies how API access control, validation, and payment can be provided by a shared infrastructure, called the ORE network, built on blockchain technology and jointly operated and governed by a community of stakeholders. This allows API providers to focus on building core API functionality instead of spending a lot of effort on the administrative and commercial framework and makes it easy for API consumers to use and pay for APIs. The ORE protocol also defines how the operators of the ORE network, the ORE miners, can be rewarded fairly for the value they provide.