Law


Policy

China's Supreme Court Calls for Better Protection of Digital Currency Rights

A new guideline comes amid rising numbers of legal disputes in China over the ownership of digital currencies like bitcoin.

Gateway to China's supreme court, Beijing (Rneches/Wikimedia Commons)

Policy

Russian Courts Can't Agree on Whether Crypto Is Property

A Russian court convicted two men for extortion, but did not force them to return over $900,000 in crypto since crypto has no legal definition as property. Other courts have taken a different view.

Russia's Supreme Court (E.O./Shutterstock)

Policy

DC Lawyers Can Now Accept Crypto for Legal Fees

The District of Columbia Bar has approved crypto payments for lawyers' fees.

Washington DC

Markets

New York US Attorney Geoffrey Berman Steps Down, President Trump Nominates SEC Chair Jay Clayton to Post [Updated]

SEC Chairman Jay Clayton has been nominated to become the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, replacing U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman, who said he had not resigned.

Former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton (CoinDesk archives)

Finance

Bitfinex Granted 2 of 3 Subpoenas in Hunt for Missing Millions

The U.S. District Court of Georgia has denied a subpoena request by the exchange's parent firm as it tries to track down a missing $850 million.

(Shutterstock)

Policy

Cryptopia Users Win Victory in Court Case Over Crypto Assets Worth Over $100M

In the fallout from a massive hack of the New Zealand cryptocurrency exchange, users at last have a little good news.

Cryptopia

Policy

Amended Lawsuit Against Ripple Now Offers Theory That XRP May Not Be a Security

While the lawsuit against Ripple Labs still alleges the firm broke securities laws, the plaintiffs now seem to be hedging their bets.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse

Markets

British Court Freezes $860,000 in Bitcoin Linked to Ransomware Payout

The victim firm in the ransomware attack had paid $950,000 in bitcoin to the perpetrator through an insurance company. Much of it ended up on Bitfinex.

PROPERTY VALUES: In a possible first, a U.K. high court has recognized bitcoin as property, ordering Bitfinex to freeze an account holding 96 BTC believed to have originated from a ransomware payment. (Image via pxl.store / Shutterstock)

Policy

Digital Chamber Asks Court to Draw Line Between Investment Contracts and Assets in Telegram Case

The Chamber of Digital Commerce, a blockchain advocacy group, wants a U.S. court to distinguish between an investment contract and the underlying asset used by Telegram during a 2018 initial coin offering.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Policy

Ethereum Developer Virgil Griffith Indicted Over North Korea Event Appearance

Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith has been indicted in New York over allegations relating to a conference appearance in North Korea last April.

Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith is accused of violating U.S. sanctions law.