On: JSON Patch – a format for describing changes to a ...

[chj]

JSON is external representation of objects. You can store the actual data on server in any form you like. Doesn't mean you have to store them in text.

[disordinary → chj]

But its Javascript Object Notation - Notation in this case implies text - if your storing it in something other than text it's not JSON.

From Wikipedia: JavaScript Object Notation, is an open standard format that uses human-readable text to transmit data objects consisting of attribute–value pairs.

[chj → disordinary]

Like you pointed out JSON is used to transmit data objects, but storage of data objects on the server or local file is entirely different story. I hope I don't have to explain further.

[disordinary → chj]

Yes, then its no longer json...