As part of the prize payment, does NetFlix exclusively own the implementation that won the prize? Have they patented it? Just asking since there are few details

As part of the prize payment, does NetFlix exclusively own the implementation that won the prize? Have they patented it? Just asking since there are few details of the grand prize winner algorithm referenced in the article, and it seems it could be of great economic benefit, if not to use it, but to also prevent others from using it as well, while also owning the proprietary second, third, fourth, etc rating systems. Could be a good way to block competitors from getting a leg up if you end up owning the technology within each contest entry, and even are able to block the winners from selling it to someone else.