Press Release
Adams & Reese Launches Blockchain & Digital Assets Practice Led by Patent Attorney Mike Henson
Published: Jun 15, 2026
The new Blockchain & Digital Assets Practice is designed to help clients navigate the rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, digital assets, fintech, Web3, NFTs, smart contracts, and other emerging technologies. As Blockchain & Digital Assets Team Leader and member of the firm’s Global Intellectual Property Team, Henson will advise clients ranging from startups and emerging growth companies to financial institutions, technology companies, investors, developers, and established businesses integrating blockchain technology into their operations.
“Blockchain and digital assets are reshaping how companies transact, invest, protect intellectual property, and bring new products and services to market,” said Edward Playfair, Global IP Team Leader at Adams & Reese. “Mike’s technical background, patent experience, and deep knowledge of blockchain architecture, smart contracts, and Web3 technologies make him the right leader to guide this interdisciplinary service.”
Henson counsels clients on patent and trademark prosecution and litigation and develops proactive, business-focused portfolio strategies for companies operating at the intersection of intellectual property and emerging technology. His practice includes intellectual property procurement, transactional, and enforcement matters, as well as infringement, freedom-to-operate, validity opinions, patent prosecution, trademark, and licensing matters. He has prosecuted thousands of patent applications across engineering disciplines and industry sectors, including computer science, electrical engineering, artificial intelligence and machine learning, semiconductors, encryption, authentication, e-commerce, real-time communications, data storage, graphical user interfaces, and medical devices, to name a few.
Henson holds multiple blockchain certifications, including Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional, Certified Web3 Professional, Certified Blockchain Developer (Ethereum), Certified Blockchain Solution Architect, and Certified Blockchain Business Foundations. He has served as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Blockchain, the first peer-reviewed blockchain journal from a scientific publisher, and he chairs the Intellectual Property Working Group for the Government Blockchain Association. He has also presented and participated in numerous panels and discussions on blockchain and other cutting-edge digital technologies. He also authored a chapter titled “Life Sciences Intellectual Property Through the Blockchain Lens” for the book Blockchain in Life Sciences.
“Clients are looking for practical guidance that helps them innovate while managing legal, regulatory, and commercial risk,” said Mike Henson. “Our Blockchain & Digital Assets Practice will help clients address the full range of issues that arise as blockchain and digital asset technologies continue to develop.”
The Adams & Reese Blockchain & Digital Assets Practice assists clients with blockchain and digital asset regulatory compliance, blockchain-enabled transactions, cryptocurrency and virtual asset counseling, fintech and digital payment platform matters, intellectual property protection and licensing, SEC, CFTC, FinCEN, and state regulatory matters, anti-money laundering and compliance programs, money transmission and licensing issues, corporate governance and transactional matters, venture capital and emerging company representation, mergers, acquisitions and strategic investments, data privacy and cybersecurity considerations, NFT and Web3-related legal issues, smart contracts and technology agreements, internal investigations and government inquiries, commercial disputes and litigation, and labor and employment counseling.
The practice reflects Adams & Reese’s collaborative approach to matters that rarely fall within a single area of law. The firm’s attorneys work across practices and offices to help clients assess risk, respond to evolving legal frameworks, and develop strategies aligned with business goals and long-term growth objectives. Whether clients are building blockchain infrastructure, launching digital asset products, integrating blockchain technology into existing operations, or navigating enforcement and compliance matters, Adams & Reese provides strategic counsel grounded in practical legal solutions and client-first service.
