When AI Agents Transact on Blockchain — The Legal Framework Doesn't Exist Yet

Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire has argued that artificial-intelligence agents and blockchain networks will converge into a global machine economy powered by stablecoins. Blockchain's future lies not in building a parallel crypto universe, but in connecting programmable assets and open networks with regulated finance, artificial intelligence, government policy, and familiar consumer experiences.

At IRAIET, we are tracking this convergence as one of the most consequential and least analyzed areas of emerging technology law.

The research questions it generates span multiple disciplines: IP law, commercial law, AI governance, and the emerging frameworks for digital asset regulation. None of these disciplines, individually, provides complete answers. That is precisely why interdisciplinary independent research matters here.

Our current research focus in this area addresses three specific gaps: the IP ownership framework for assets created by autonomous AI agents in blockchain transactions; the liability allocation framework when AI-blockchain convergence produces infringement or harm; and the governance frameworks needed to ensure that the machine economy operates within legal parameters that protect both innovation and rights holders.

We are actively seeking collaboration with researchers, legal practitioners, and policymakers working on any dimension of this problem.

Working on AI governance, digital asset law, or blockchain legal frameworks? IRAIET welcomes interdisciplinary collaboration.