The Field Law Emerging Technology Group works to keep you aware of the latest developments and how they may affect your business and personal lives. Field Law can help you manage your internet and emerging technology risks in the following areas:
Blockchain + Smart Contracts
We are in the midst of an endless stream of developments in hardware, software and computing power that has pushed blockchain and smart contracts into the mainstream. As you contend with the commercial and technical realities, regulations, risks and opportunities in this evolving sector, the Emerging Technology team at Field Law can help you with:
- Advice on the negotiation and drafting of smart contract reference terms
- Drafting consortium agreements for private or permission-based ledgers, and
- Developing consortium governance policies, participant agreements, consortium management agreements, technology license agreements.
Cryptocurrencies
In the past decade, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple have significantly altered the landscape of electronic transactions. Utilizing distributed ledger and block chain technology, these cryptocurrencies are fundamentally changing the way we do business. From share transactions and contracts, to money transfers and supply chain management, block chain and cryptocurrencies are altering the way businesses process electronic transactions and manage assets. With these new opportunities also come new risks and challenges, with unique legal obstacles. In this emerging industry, government regulation and oversight is developing and changing quickly as these new technologies become widely adopted. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your assets are protected and that your business can utilize these new technologies to grow your business safely.
Services provided for cryptocurrencies:
- Wallet and Firewall Agreement
- IT Outsourcing and Service Agreements
- Cyber Liability
- Security Opinions
- Security Enforcement
- Security Protocols and Encryption Standards
The Emerging Technology Group offers its clients the opportunity to stay up to date and prepared for related developments in Canada by offering lunch and learn sessions on the latest legislative movements, insurance trends and technology developments both here at home and globally.
Where we began: Our client was convicted under s. 602.45 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (part of the Aeronautics Act) for flying his drone too close to an airport. A trial he was represented by volunteer law students. We were approached by them to represent the client on the appeal of the conviction. The issue on appeal was whether the trial judge had correctly found that our client had beyond a reasonable doubt, flown a model aircraft in a manner that was or was likely hazardous to aviation safety. The only law that applied to recreational use of a drone at that time.
Our approach: Through the appeal process we used our in-depth industry knowledge and deep understanding of the new regulatory frameworks to assist the Court in understanding the applicable law relating to recreational drone use.
The result: The appeal of our client’s conviction was successful. Within weeks of the decision s. 602.45 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations was amended to no longer apply to drones and the Minister of Transport issued an Interim Order that provide more clarity for recreational drone operators. This prevented other drone users across Canada from facing the same penalty.