ARTICLE · 11 OCTOBER 2022

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Emerging Legal Questions For The Post-Merge Ethereum Network

Ropes & Gray

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On September 15, 2022, the Ethereum blockchain transitioned from a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism to proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus by merging the Ethereum Mainnet with the PoS Beacon Chain.

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Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Practice

On September 15, 2022, the Ethereum blockchain transitioned from a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism to proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus by merging the Ethereum Mainnet with the PoS Beacon Chain. This event, commonly referred to as the "Merge," is a historic moment for Ethereum, as well as a monumental development for the broader blockchain space. The Merge dramatically reduced the Ethereum network's energy consumption, which has long been a salient criticism against the mainstream adoption of the largest programmable blockchain. The introduction of PoS consensus to Ethereum is the first step in a phased plan to increase the network's efficiency, security, and scalability. The following is an overview of the Merge and its implications for investors and developers with respect to the Ethereum ecosystem.

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