Telegram: deconstructing one of the biggest blockchain cases of 2020

Abstract

1 The Telegram case is arguably the most important case of 2020 involving the legal classification of blockchain-based digital assets. Because it is often cost-prohibitive for companies to challenge the government in court, the Telegram litigation offered a unique opportunity for the parties to present arguments on several complex legal issues. Given the lack of judicial precedent in this area, as well as the size and profile of the Telegram project, the Telegram case was closely watched by blockchain industry participants and represents a significant development for this emerging market. Here we provide an overview of the case, an analysis of the Court’s ruling, details on the final resolutions, and some key takeaways.