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Internet & Social Media Law Blog

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The Real Issues with Virtual Currency: April 22, 2014

Join members of Pillsbury’s leading Virtual Currency practice, partners, James Gatto, and Deborah Thoren-Peden, to understand and analyze some of the key legal and business issues related to Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies. This webinar will highlight the history of Bitcoin and other digital currencies and associated unique business models. They…

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IRS Issues Significant Convertible Virtual Currency Ruling – Bitcoin Community Abuzz

The IRS has issued its first major ruling on the U.S. federal tax implications of transactions in, or transactions that use, Bitcoin and other convertible virtual currencies. The ruling stresses that it relates to convertible virtual currencies. The legal landscape with respect to Bitcoin and other convertible virtual currency continues…

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Mt. Gox’s Bankruptcy Case Will Be Unlike Any Other

Originally seen in MoneyBeat – a Wall Street Journal blog. One thing we can tell you about the Mt. Gox bankruptcy case: It won’t be like any other bankruptcy case you’ve seen. MoneyBeat had a very enlightening and interesting talk with Christopher Mirick, a partner at the international law firm Pillsbury…

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Ever Lost — or Worse Yet, Had Stolen — a Smart Phone, Laptop, Tablet, Etc.?

Many of us have been focused on cyber-security, especially in the wake of the recent data breaches over the holidays, among other things.  Two Maryland Law Enforcement Officers are leveraging the power of social media and the Internet to enable you to “Secure What’s Yours.”   In 2013, acting on their vision, they introduced an innovative…

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National Cybersecurity Framework Released – Has Your Organization Considered the Implications?

On February 12, 2014, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released the final version of its Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (the “Cybersecurity Framework” or “Framework“) and the companion NIST Roadmap for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (Roadmap). The final version is the result of a year-long development process which…

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Russia Cracks Down On Bitcoin

Both the Central Bank of Russia and the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office explained that the rouble is the country’s sole official currency and that the production of alternative monetary products, such as Bitcoin and other virtual currencies, is illegal under current law.  Russian regulators also warned that anyone who exchanges…

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Virtual Currency – Acronyms, Abbreviations and Key Definitions

Although many of you are obviously fascinated by the fast-paced virtual currency industry, trying to read a news article or blog can sometimes be incredibly difficult due to the sheer number of acronyms and terms of art commonly used by industry participants. The author of the attached document endeavored to…

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28 Million Dollars in Bitcoins Deemed Forfeited to the U.S. Government

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced the forfeiture of approximately 29,655 Bitcoins in connection with the seizure of the Silk Road website.  The Silk Road operated as a marketplace for illicit goods and services before it was shutdown in October 2013.  At the…

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More fallout from Silk Road

Another set of Bitcoin-related arrests for failing to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act. http://www.cnbc.com/id/101366511 Interestingly, investors in one of the companies include the Winkelvoss twins. Anyone who is involved in Bitcoin or other virtual currency endeavors needs to ensure that they understand and comply with the law. This includes…