Josh Lawler
Partner, Zuber Lawler
Corporate and securities attorney focused on blockchain, tokens, and digital assets.
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Introduction to Utility Tokens and ICOs
Taught by Josh Lawler
Blockchain Law· PremiumLevel: Beginner
Overview
This course provides lawyers and legal advisors with a practical foundation in how utility tokens and initial coin offerings (ICOs) function as mechanisms for blockchain-based fundraising. It examines the technical structure of utility tokens, how ICOs are designed and executed, and the regulatory landscape that governs—or seeks to govern—these activities. Participants will explore the central legal question of whether a given token constitutes a security, a utility, or something else entirely, and what that classification means for their clients. The course is designed to equip legal professionals with enough working knowledge to identify risks, ask the right questions, and provide informed counsel.
What you’ll learn
- Explain how utility tokens differ from security tokens and why the distinction carries significant legal consequences
- Describe the mechanics of an ICO, from token creation through distribution, and identify where legal exposure arises
- Apply key regulatory frameworks and classification tests to assess how a token offering might be treated by relevant authorities
- Identify the primary disclosure, compliance, and anti-fraud obligations that may attach to organizations conducting or advising on ICOs
- Recognize the contractual and governance documents commonly used in token offerings and evaluate their legal significance
- Advise clients on the questions they should be asking before participating in or launching a blockchain-based fundraising initiative
Skills you’ll gain
Explain how utility tokens differ from security tokens and why the distinction carries significant legal consequencesDescribe the mechanics of an ICO, from token creation through distribution, and identify where legal exposure arisesApply key regulatory frameworks and classification tests to assess how a token offering might be treated by relevant authoritiesIdentify the primary disclosure, compliance, and anti-fraud obligations that may attach to organizations conducting or advising on ICOsRecognize the contractual and governance documents commonly used in token offerings and evaluate their legal significanceAdvise clients on the questions they should be asking before participating in or launching a blockchain-based fundraising initiative
Audience and prerequisites
Who this is for
Legal advisors and in-house counsel advising organizations on blockchain-based fundraising, as well as executives and board members seeking to understand the legal risks associated with token offerings.
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge of blockchain or cryptocurrency is assumed — the course introduces technical concepts as needed for legal analysis.
Curriculum
- Video coming soon
1. Introduction
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