Lawyer Argues Tezos Suit “Should Be Heard in Switzerland”

Drew Hinkes, a miami-based partner at legal firm Berger and Singermann has discussed the legal dispute over the approximately $232 million USD raised by the Tezos ICO. Last month, news.Bitcoin.com reported that the founders of Tezos had entered into a legal battle with the chairman of a Swiss foundation comprising an independent third party tasked with managing funds raised during the Tezos ICO.

Also Read: Tezos Founders Enter Legal Battle for Control of $400m in Raised ICO Funds

Mr. Hinkes Has Shared His Views Regarding the Tezos Case

Mr. Hinkes has not dismissed the possibility that the suit filed against Tezos may be successful, stating that a key factor in determining the outcome of the litigation will be “how the court treats the terms and conditions of Tezos’ initial coin offering (ICO).”

“One of the first issues argued might be whether the case can be heard in California, and whether the case can be filed as a class action, or whether the terms and conditions, which bar class or collective proceedings and require claims to be brought in an ordinary court in Zug, Switzerland, will be enforced against the plaintiff, which may result in the California case being dismissed.“

Mr. Hinkes anticipates that “Tezos will probably defend itself in the class action suit. The court may decide that, based on the terms that govern the ‘contributions’ by investors to Tezos.” In his opinion, “the suit should be heard in Switzerland, and cannot be brought as a class action.” Mr. Hinkes adds that such “ would effectively mean that investors waive their right to sue Tezos for restitution through a mass proceeding, and cannot sue Tezos anywhere but in Zug.”

The Outcome of the Tezos Case Will Likely Depend Upon the Legal Classification of Relevant Tokens

Mr. Hinkes emphasizes the contingent factor that the early and evolving juridical apparatus pertaining to the regulation of cryptocurrencies and ICOs may play in influencing the outcome of the case. Mr. Hinkes states:

“This also depends on the treatment of tokens. In prior cases like the DAO…, the SEC has concluded that some cryptocurrencies will be considered securities under U.S. law. That means selling them without proper registration and without making proper disclosures to consumers could open up an issuer to civil and criminal sanctions. Many issuers try to avoid liability in the U.S. by not registering or marketing their crypto assets in the U.S.”

Although company money was raised in a Swiss foundation, Mr. Hinkes believes that United States Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) and other U.S. institutions will be able to act against the company. “The U.S. government and specifically the SEC can act beyond the U.S.‘s boundaries. Simply saying, ‘I’m in Switzerland and I’ll use a foundation model to get favorable tax benefits’ does not necessarily fully inoculate an issuer from liability.”

What are your thoughts on the class action lawsuit against Tezos? Share your opinion in the comments section below!

Images courtesy of Shutterstock, Tezos

Want to create your own secure cold storage paper wallet? Check our tools section.

The post Lawyer Argues Tezos Suit “Should Be Heard in Switzerland” appeared first on Bitcoin News.