Blockchain Technology and Litigation Risk: When Good Ledgers Go Bad

Blockchain technology has been promoted as the answer to everything that ails businesses.  An “immutable” transaction ledger, it holds the potential to reduce business conflicts, decrease payment times, and (according to some) reduce the likelihood of litigation and the need for outside lawyers.  Some of these claims may be true.  Time will tell.  But with every new technology, new risks arise.  Our presentation focuses on litigation risks associated with enterprise adoption of blockchain technology, both in connection with participation in so called ICO’s or token sales, and with the use of distributed ledgers as a substitute for traditional client-server applications.  We will focus specifically on litigation and jurisdictional issues related to cross-border blockchain implementation.  For example, what happens, as in the case of Tezos (a $200 million+ troubled token sale) where assets are held by a Swiss Foundation but contributors are based in the United States? We will also address unique IP and tax issues that arise out of the technology.  The ultimate focus of this presentation will be to offer some suggestions for Blockchain risk management and risk assessment, and some practical advice related to litigation strategies when a good blockchain goes bad.

REGISTRATION:  3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

SEMINAR:  3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

COCKTAIL NETWORKING RECEPTION:  5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

COST:  Complimentary with Registration

CLE APPROVED:  NY, NJ, PA and CA

SPEAKERS:

Stephen D. Palley
Of Counsel
Anderson Kill
Moderator

Daniel J. Healy
Partner
Anderson Kill

Jeremy E. Deutsch
Shareholder
Anderson Kill