Over fifty attendees met in downtown Vancouver to hear from a compelling list of panelists on issues ranging from securities to the liability of bugs in software development. The panel consisted of lawyers with extensive backgrounds in the blockchain and emerging technology space.

Among them was Ron Segev, the founder of Segev LLP and head of the firm’s technology practice group, which works with blockchain application development companies. Segev has represented token and coin generators and offerers assisting with ICO development. In speaking on ICOs, Segev warned that entrepreneurs would have to be steadfast in navigating regulations, and remain privy to the fact that while the “crypto public” continues to get “fat and greedy,” regulators are going to “get smart fast.” He also advised investors to be wary of ICOs that claim to need blockchain technology for their enterprise where it is not actually required.

Gal Smolar, a Canadian and Israeli business lawyer involved in the formation of technology accelerators, agreed that “entrepreneurship is not fazed” by the proliferation of the ICO market and its sometimes-shaky legal foundation. Smolar advised that ICOs get advice early to avoid costly mistakes in the future, stating that this is “critical for entrepreneurs.”

James Leong, a third panelist and the senior legal counsel at the British Columbia Securities Commission, agreed with Smolar, observing that those who work in an enterprise “don’t always see the risks” even when “questions about [their] business model point them towards the law or legal regimes to consider.”

Maya Medeiros, an intellectual property lawyer and patent agent, with a background in AI and blockchain — among other areas of computer science and mathematics — rounded out the panel. Medeiros spoke about the CSA’s Regulatory Sandbox — an initiative of the Canadian Securities Administrators to support fintech businesses seeking to offer innovative products, services and applications in Canada. She advised blockchain startups to comply “as best you can” with securities law.

A hot topic for panelists was the issuing of the CSA’s Staff Notice 46–308, titled “Securities Law Implications for Offerings of Tokens.” Released just a month prior to the Vancouver Event, the notice provides guidance on “when an offering of tokens may or may not involve an offering of securities, and offerings of tokens that are structured in multiple steps,” such as utility tokens. It also elaborates that if an offering of tokens involves the distribution of securities, it must meet the requirement of an “investment contract.” Mr. Leong spoke to the four tenets of this requirement, which include whether an offering involves: an investment of money; is in a common enterprise; has the expectation of profit; and said profit is a result of the efforts of others.

In closing remarks, the panel agreed that the foundation of blockchain technology has a lot of promise, but “will take some time for governments to get used to.” He also projected that we can expect more legal frameworks to come out, as it is still early days for the industry. Medeiros stressed that the “underlying technology is good, but needs a more widespread application,” and is not limited to cryptocurrencies alone. Smolar predicted that widespread adoption would lead to legal issues relating to consumer protection and user privacy, while Segev proclaimed that the technology will ultimately help Canada do things faster and better. Smolar perhaps summed up the shared sentiment amongst the panel and audience the best, in finishing:

“I’m curious to see how this unfolds.”