This talk will cover the legal and policy issues surrounding blockchain technologies such as cryptocurrencies, including providing an understanding of the basics of blockchain, outlining the applicable laws and regulations, describing the major legal events that have affected the blockchain industry, and looking forward to the future regulatory and legal landscape. Topics will include initial coin offerings and securities laws, anonymity and privacy, smart contracts, anti-money-laundering and know-your-customer requirements, blockchain patents, and blockchain’s potential uses in the legal field, such as in the areas of intellectual property and land rights management.