First publication on blockchain technology and law now available
Three lawyers from Holland & Knight have written the first book on blockchain technology and the law, published by Thomson Reuters. The Blockchain: A Guide for Legal and Business Professionals covers key topics such as the legal and regulatory implications of blockchain technology, its evolution and uses in the future, and what it does and doesn't do well.

MIAMI, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland & Knight announced today that The Blockchain: A Guide for Legal and Business Professionals, authored by three members of the firm's blockchain practice, has just been released by Thomson Reuters. It is the first-ever book on blockchain technology and the law.

Blockchain technology has become increasingly important to the general business audience and is on the brink of radically transforming industries around the world – from financial services to diamond mining. The book delivers an in-depth look at the technology, providing readers with an understanding of the platform's complex implementations and concepts, as well as the impact it could have on a variety of businesses. It was written for a professional audience, including lawyers, accountants, consultants and business executives.

"While blockchain technology started as a solution to digital money, it is now becoming important to industries both inside and outside of the financial realm," noted Holland & Knight partner Josias N. Dewey, the lead author. "From agriculture to real estate, people are beginning to understand the impact of blockchain technology, and its development is growing exponentially."

The new book offers insight to those with no prior experience with the platform, as well as to those who have more comprehensive knowledge, covering key topics such as:

How the technology has evolved from its origin

What blockchain technology does well, and what it doesn't do well

How and when blockchain technology will be fully utilized

The legal and regulatory implications of blockchain technology

The Blockchain: A Guide for Legal and Business Professionals also includes concrete, real world examples of how the technology can be used in different industries. For example, it highlights how the blockchain is the perfect vehicle to maintain real estate records because distributed ledgers are especially good at maintaining ownership records for assets that can be easily tokenized. The book then goes on to explain that once these records are on the blockchain, a parcel of real estate could be transferred with the same level of simplicity as ordering a pizza on a smart phone.

Mr. Dewey, a software developer and computer coder with experience integrating several blockchain protocols (including Ethereum and Bitcoin) into transactional practices, led the development of the book. Holland & Knight partner Jeff Seul, who leads the firm's Technology Industry Sector Group and co-leads the blockchain practice with Mr. Dewey, as well as Shawn Amuial, Holland & Knight associate and blockchain practice group member, served as co-authors. The book is available directly from Thomson Reuters or on Amazon.com.

An excerpt from The Blockchain: A Guide for Legal and Business Professionals is available here.

About Holland & Knight's Blockchain Practice: Holland & Knight's blockchain practice helps clients understand blockchain, how it may benefit their businesses and the impact of emerging legal and compliance issues. The firm's blockchain lawyers draw on substantive backgrounds in financial services and banking, real estate, gaming, taxation, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, data security, anti-money laundering, corporate law and insurance. They combine hands-on knowledge of technology with the business perspective that comes from decades of experience serving clients in the industries likely to be most affected by blockchain.

About Holland & Knight LLP: Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 1,200 lawyers and other professionals in 27 offices throughout the world. Our lawyers provide representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with access to attorneys throughout the firm, regardless of location.

SOURCE Holland & Knight LLP

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